And Let it Begin with Me

 I sing the song every Sunday at my spiritual home: Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me…🎶

It occurred to me that whatever it is that I want, it must begin with me. Respect? Sure, but do I respect myself? Others? Give and take in proper balance? Am I a giver? A taker? Is it more one than the other? What can I do to even the scale? 

I want family reconciliation. Can I accept my part in the process? Can I let it unfold, or do I try to orchestrate? 

My days of being an innocent victim of everyone else’s actions are long gone. I am strong—I’ve proven that again and again, and although I could have done much better, I did as well as I was able to do at the time. I have always emerged from challenges stronger.

All I can do in any situation is to do my part. I have no say in how whatever I do or say is perceived, but, through honest dialog, my part will be revealed. I’m not in charge of whatever anyone else says or does, but I can recognize and honor my own boundaries and act accordingly. That’s my responsibility to myself. That’s letting it begin with me.

Today, I’m grateful for the song as my ear worm throughout the day: “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 Creator, family all are we. Let us walk with each other, in perfect harmony…🎶