Realizing Peace

As we prepare for the second Sunday in Advent and prepare to light the second advent candle, peace, this image has been captivating my mind. This mural was created a few weeks ago at a lock-in at Webster Groves Christian Church. The youth and spiritual mentors (with some assistance by John and Carolyn) created several mixed media murals. I have been sitting with the questions, what is peace, what does peace look like in our world, how do we live peace? And this image keeps coming to mind.

In the image peace is constant. It encircles and holds together all the colors. Peace is vibrant and alive. I recall watching as the youth created this mural. They took great care and work to make the peace sign. They used a pattern, a hula hoop, to make the circle. Perhaps there is not one set pattern for peace, but several models of non-violent action by Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and Jesus set before us that can help us create a pattern for peace in our lives.

After the peace sign was carefully constructed, they spattered paint everywhere! It was an active process that included laughter, joy, movement, energy, and the willingness to let go. They had planned to use hands to construct the peace sign. But after it was made, they realized it needed other direction. Peace demands that we listen deeply and are willing to let go of our best laid plans.

Maybe I am reading to much into this sign, or maybe, just maybe the creation and existence of this piece of art is helping to realizing the process of peace in my journey. Thanks again to all the hands and hearts that constructed these pieces!