We are anxious. Neva J told me she was a worrier. We are desperately trying to control events around us. Our worry is heightened by events we can not control. A source of anxiety is the unease we have with people who do not fit our mold. If only the offending person would do what we think is appropriate. If only they felt like us. Life reveals to our anxious minds that we are not in control of everything. The people we are worrying about may be worrying about our deportment. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The kids say that this person or that may not be into you. Although we are quite certain we have the answers to life’s persistent questions, others may see a different portrait. Much of today’s malady is centered around our government, which exhibits a Type A personality, and is setting the course for real Americans.

Peace comes from acceptance and understanding. The beauty of the church that follows Christ’s message is that everyone can sit at table. The holidays are here. The fall winds are invigorating. The clarion call of peace surrounds us. Not the faux peace that politicans speak of daily while supporting nuclear weapons. Not the peace of who has the bigger sword. A settled mind brings a grateful heart.

A calm mind is a choice. We are wrapped up in social media. Negative pronouncements are a daily occurrence. We even have our share of Job’s Friends who tell us why not curse God and die. We need to make the main thing the main thing. Our journey back to Jerusalem is an exciting adventure. The Gift lives within us. That is the first thing. All else emanates from the Gift of Life. Others may not understand us, and that is alright. People may wonder why we do what we do, and that is our business and not theirs. Each of us is a unique creation. No two of us are alike. One size does not fit all. We bloom and flourish as one of a kind, a miracle in the universe.

The angels are watching. They marvel at our movements. They root for our individuality. The angels identify with our struggles. They share our victories.