Same old – same old I’ve heard people say. The sequence of a week of  days, mine,  varied little. Meals were routine, garments were changed, places visited were the same places visited on other days. There were conversations, ‘hellos’ and’ goodbyes’ and ‘love yous’  were said. Really, not one ‘new’ thing.

The route I walked every morning was the same. Each and everyday, I go to the same places at the same time, but also, I gasp in awe and  marvel anew at the peace I live in, walk in, shop in, rest in. That there are people who love and care for me, in spite of myself, often  leaves me gaped mouthed.

The closest thing to chaos in my world was a car accident at an intersection I approached.  Fifteen seconds before my arrival one driver ran his red traffic light and collided with two cars.  Air bags and seat belts did their work and lives continued to be lived. Hassled with the hassle of police reports and insurance and possibly new vehicles, but  the people lived.

Fifteen seconds. A Day of Peace.

The Emergency crew were close enough to hear the accident before the 911 call was made. In less time than it took for me to turn around to go another way,  EMT were on site and helping.

Fifteen seconds.  My peace continued.

In other parts of the world there are bombs and threats of bombs. Thirsty people have only  nasty, disease and mine polluted waters as their drink of choice. Losses of family and friends, the people who loved them,  are common experiences. Very common.  Many are numb with grief, the horrors life has shown them, and despair.

In the discount store other people’s conversations drop like firecrackers with short fuses. Clearly, from what I see and hear, people are  making many of their own messes and then talk loudly and long complaining  in public places of their life’s chaos.

Over and over again, one employee goes from co-worker to co-worker, saying. “Did you hear?”  and then repeating the same story of upset and bother.

I’m reminded of an experience earlier in the morning  in another place. While waiting in line, a lady in front of me dropped her handbag. Contents spilled and rolled and kept rolling. Me and other folks in line swept with hands and scooped and tried to make it all right. Bills of money, and coins and lipstick were returned to her.   No complaints were spoken by anyone. A few compassionate ‘Awws’ were said, and  I may have said,” Bless your heart” .

The lady was blushing and grateful as she stuffed everything back into her purse.  We waited, the counter clerk waited.  It was no big deal.

Fifteen seconds. My peace continued.