As I watched the sun rise on 12/18/2023, it was not lost on me how fortunate I was at that moment to be free- free from war, free from terror, free from hunger, free from oppression, free to just be safe. Then an individual walked along the shoreline and I wondered if he/she was also appreciating the sanctity of this place at this moment in time.

I thought of the Israelis on October 6- free to be safe. I thought of the Palestinians on October 6, enjoying life, perhaps not as carelessly, but innocently unaware of the turmoil about to strike. I thought of many unknown peoples who would not and could not experience this simple joy of peace for various reasons. And I thought that there may come a time when I will look back on this day and wish that I was here again, free to be at peace.
Peace be still.

May God have mercy on us.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

Matthew 5:9