Submitted by Murray Wittke
Valley Christian Assembly
For me, war has always been… “Once upon a time in a land far far away…” All I’ve ever known is peace. Unlike many others in our war torn world, I’ve never lived in fear; never heard machine gun fire or ran from a bomb blast; never walked by burned out homes or dead bodies in the street; never had to hide in the dark, steal food, or flee for my life. I’ve never had brutal paramilitary kick down my door, ransack my home, or threaten me because of my nationality or religion. For me, those things only happen somewhere far away, on the news, or in movies.
For 64 years, I’ve been privileged to live in a country that enjoys the rare and unique gift of peace. I lead a quiet life. I sleep well at night. There are no bars on my windows, and my front door is seldom locked. I feel safe everywhere I go because I live amongst peaceful people that cherish the gift they’ve been given. Unlike other gifts, the gift of peace comes at an incredible price. Once upon a time, young men and women went to a faraway land and gave their lives to purchase our peace. They sent it home never experiencing it themselves. Today young Canadians still guard our peace entering the world’s warzones attempting to make peace. Some never come home, and many that do, carry war wounds that make peace for them impossible. Peace is costly, yet day and night, those we don’t even know continue paying the price.
So how do I respond to such an expensive gift? Wearing a poppy and showing respect on Remembrance Day is a good start. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers…” It’s unlikely I’ll ever have to fight for peace carrying an assault rifle, but I can be an instrument of God’s peace; where there’s hatred, sowing love, where there’s injury, forgiveness, and where there’s despair, hope. I begin by extending my hand to all of you… “The peace of Christ be with you!” Pass it on.
