“I used to hurry a lot. I used to worry a lot.”

Those words are part of the lyrics of “The Long Run,” written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey and released by the Eagles in November 1979. A lot of people can relate to those words.

I heard that song while switching between stations on my car radio, listening just prior to, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The latter song is derived from a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who, while overwhelmed by loss on Christmas Day in 1863, listened to the bells from a nearby church and expressed his grief in words. It’s a sad song, but he ended it on a note of triumph: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep. God is not dead, nor doth he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Yes, peace. It’s something we most all say we want more of, yet we surprisingly do very little to truly experience it. Short of an end to all war, what gives you peace? Personal peace? Something you can do immediately? I thought about this and came up with a list.

Holding a newborn baby. I feel like a bull in a china shop every time I hold a baby. But when I do, it brings a certain sense of unmatched calm to me.

Visiting cemeteries does the same for me but from the other end of life’s cycle. A slow walk through a sea of tombstones puts things in perspective for me. It forces me to remember what I enjoyed about so many people who are no longer here and also reminds me to make the most of every moment I have remaining.

Mowing my lawn. Yes, it’s a simple and monotonous task, but it satisfies my need for order and gives my mind time to wander.

Watching light snow fall from the sky. I enjoy a good blizzard, but those certainly aren’t peaceful. Light snowflakes settling from the sky on a calm day? Now that makes me smile.

Warm slippers, a hot drink and a soft blanket. Wow. What’s not to like?

Hearing the story of the birth of Jesus. I have read it for more than 50 years, yet it continues to bring joyful tears to my eyes. The simpleness and majesty. The humility and the glory. Nothing defines peace more than this for me. And it sure beats hurrying a lot, and worrying a lot.

How about you? What brings you peace? Send me a note and let me know. Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman 

President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

View Shane Goodman's archived columns from past issues here.

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