A few weeks ago I wrote to you about a yard sign that said “Stop the violence, Pursue Peace.” I shared with you my thoughts on many types of personal violence that as humans we all struggle with. I also shared my humble thoughts on how we can begin to pursue true peace within our own lives—through Jesus, the Christ. A story from Facebook was brought to my attention that I think may add another way of thinking about stopping the violence and pursuing peace. It is titledThe Journey is Short and the author is unknown.

An elderly woman got on a bus and sat down. At the next stop, a strong, grumpy young woman climbed up and sat down beside the old woman, hitting her with her numerous bags. When she saw that the elderly woman remained silent, the young woman asked her why she had not complained when she hit her with her bags? The elderly woman replied with a Smile: “There is no need to be rude or discuss something so insignificant, as my trip next to you is short, because I am going to get off at the next stop.”

This answer deserves to be written in gold letters: There is no need to discuss something so insignificant, because our journey together is too short.”Each of us must understand that our time in this world is so short, that darken-ing it with useless arguments, jealousy, not forgiving others, discontentment and bad attitudes are a ridiculous waste of time and energy.

Did someone break your heart? Stay calm. The trip is too short!

Did someone betray you, intimidate, cheat or humiliate you? Relax—Don’t be stressed. The trip is too short!

Did someone insult you without reason? Stay calm. Ignore it. The trip is too short!

Did a neighbor make a comment that you didn’t like? Stay calm. Ignore him/her. Forgive that. The trip is too short!

Whatever the problem someone has brought us, remember that our journey together is too short!

No one knows the length of our trip. Nobody knows when it will arrive at its stop. Our trip together is too short!!

Let us appreciate friends and family. Let us be respectful, kind, and forgiving.

Because we will be filled with gratitude and joy, after all…..Our trip together is very short!

Share your smile with everyone…..Our Trip is very short!!

Over the last year and a half, God has called some of our St. Paul parishioners home. Their trip came to their stop! Oth-ers are missing from our midst due to illnesses or other problems in their lives. Our journey together may be near its end. Let us examine our hearts and allow God to show us where we fit in on this bus ride—will we be the elderly lady or the young grumpy person? Let God speak to our spirits, touching our souls, showing us our own shortcomings. Ask God for the grace to follow the mission of His beloved Son, Jesus…..to be loving, patient, tolerant, accepting, compassionate, forgiving servants of His Way! After all, Our trip is too short!! We are all connected—we are in this together—we are stronger together when we are in Christ Jesus!

May you have a blessed, peace-filled week of kindness! ~~Alvera Bell