But that doesn't change the fact that it makes me sadder than anything else in the world. And it doesn't stop me from praying and asking for peace on earth every year. "My Grown-Up Christmas List" highlights this, and I cry every time I hear it. "No more lives torn apart. That wars would never start." That's why I've included the lyrics as December Daily Day 5 (and reason #254). The other goodies contained therein -- that "love would never end" -- are the only reason it beats out the beautiful "Let There Be Peace on Earth (And Let it Begin with Me)."
But the idea that peace can begin with me -- that I can make a difference now, right here -- is the only reason I don't despair (#255). And it's a theme that I'll undoubtedly be returning to when this 90-day period of focusing on the immediate has ended. So maybe I'll take the opportunity to highlight my favorite version of that song here, as performed by the English Choirboys.
The lyrics:
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
In other news, my favorite person in the whole world (and anyone who knows me can attest to this) is my youngest relative, who turned eight this year. He is the light of my life, and talking to him every day is both a necessity and a highlight. Every year his experience at Christmas is a priority for me, but this year it went beyond that -- it involved keeping the Santa myth alive for one more year. I ordered a letter for him from the large, jolly man, and this has greatly reignited his interest. (Mostly he was just excited that Santa is proud of him and thinks he's awesome.) I'm absolutely thrilled with this.
For whatever reason, the same little guy's Christmas list this year cracks me up. It includes a laptop, an official NFL football and a guinea pig. (In other words, he's a smart and athletic animal lover. Hooray for this!) The fact that these things are so different prompted me to include images of them as December Daily Day #6 (and reason #256). I'll leave it up to you to imagine them...
I guess that means life itself is a paradox: both heartbreakingly depressing and utterly hilarious.
-Me