Peace Campaign 2024 Essay #8 “What Does Peace Look Like to YOU?” by Diane Wyzga Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network

Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network’s PEACE Campaign 2024 Essay #8

“What Does Peace Look Like to YOU?” by Diane Wyzga

What Does Peace Look Like to Me?
Perhaps like me you wonder if there will be peace in our
time. We look around the world. It is easy to feel
discouraged. Nothing makes sense, too many angry voices,
too much noise, no one feels like they are seen, heard,
understood or listened to. Why get out of bed?
We get out of bed because despair is not an option.
Sure, we can have our 20-minute pity party. Pull the drapes,
put the blues on the iPod, pour something strong to drink or
dive into a bag of junk food. But once you’ve done that it’s
time to get to the Work of Peace.
What does the Work of Peace look like? I’m a Polish gal
from New Jersey. Food and stories are part of my heritage.
Family gatherings, holidays, weddings, funerals, christenings,
graduations, and summer picnics. We shared food and
stories of what was, the loved ones no longer with us in the
flesh – but certainly in spirit – where we came from, where
we’re going. We laughed at mistakes and we’re grateful to be
here now.
When people are eating together and sharing stories
they are less likely to argue. Why? Because food is
community. Stories are survival and human connection.
This is my idea for the Work of Peace. Block parties. Set
down some long tables where it’s safe to set them in your
neighborhood or apartment complex or school yard. Add
colorful table cloths. Make it an occasion. Lay out plates and
utensils or, to save on paper and plastic waste ask folks to
bring their own. Invite your friends, neighbors, and even
folks you don’t know to come to the block party.
Two rules: Bring a favorite dish and memories about
what makes that dish your favorite. Share both. Eat and
share and enjoy. Laugh and reminisce. Be surprised,
delighted, informed. Tickle your compassion bone. Remember
how good it feels to sit together of a summer evening, a
Saturday afternoon, a Sunday brunch – whatever you can
manage – relaxed, at peace.
This is my Work of Peace: universal block parties sharing
favorite foods and the stories that go with them.
I guarantee you will come away well-fed, well-nourished,
and marveling at what C.S. Lewis wrote about friendship:
“What. You, too. I thought I was the only one.”