I've been asking my human exactly what "Peace on Earth" means. She gave it a lot of thought and then suggested I ask some friends what they thought it meant.
Julian, Emma, Nathan, Nolan and David all said the same thing basically. Peace on Earth means no more wars, people getting along and spending time with friends and family...especially during the holidays. I asked Candi if they were right and she said, "Those are some very smart kids, Patton. They're right. Peace on Earth is about people of all faiths, ethnic and economic backgrounds getting along. It's about NOT forcing what you want on others, but accepting them for who and what they are."
This made sense to me. Then I wondered if there would ever be peace on Earth. Once again, Candi suggested I ask my friends again.
Julian said there would be no peace on Earth until the world ended. Emma thinks there will be peace on the new world that God creates after blowing it up. Nolan said there wouldn't be peace because we're all sinners and the hate from various religions will keep us at war with each other. Nathan said no because the world is getting worse and will just end in a fireball. But David...he said that we couldn't have peace on Earth, only peace in our hearts.
I went back to Shasta and Candi to ask them about what my friends thought. Candi said, "I think that they are all correct, Patton. It's sad that our children are growing up in a world feeling that there can never be peace. However, David is right that we can only have peace in our hearts. But...if we each strive to have that peace in our hearts, I think we can have peace on Earth. Having our hearts at ease and peace will give us the patience and tolerance that is needed to achieve that peace."
I'm not sure what to believe. I do know that Candi tells me constantly to never lose my childlike wonder and to keep the spirit of Christmas in my heart all year. Maybe that's what everyone needs to do if we're going to have Peace on Earth. Well, that and NOT chewing on Candi's shoes or Shasta's tail.
Patton, you have a wonderful human teacher. The youth that are your friends are very insightful. It is sad that they are growing up in a world filled with hate and war. Not only war because of a terrorist attack on 9/11/01, but a war among citizens in America and across the world. All of these children are growing up in Christian homes, where they know 100% they will have a peaceful life in heaven. Please pray for our children and the future of our country. Merry Christmas to you, Shast and your wonderful human, Candi!
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