If you are ever in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly – you will probably already know about the Peace Bell. And you may even hear it ring this morning of September 21 if you are in Manhattan. It is a powerful symbol and has come to mean more and more to me through the years.
I love the symbolism of how this mighty bell was forged…made out of contributions from people from around the world. This history was explained to me the first time I attended the ceremony. I had always admired the symbol of bells in how society marks special occasions, or spreads the news of events, or sends warnings throughout history. But not until I had heard the Peace Bell ring did I realize how important it was, in an era of choosing one’s ring tone on your phone, to being constantly connected via social media…to listen to the Peace Bells that exist in our society today.
There are many things to worry our world on Sept 21 this year…but many things for which to be grateful. My wish is that, wherever you are, you can hear the “Peace Bell” in your own life today. If that is the company of friends, work on an important cause, making amends with a forgotten friend, progress on a project, the solace of faith or the fortress of family…or maybe just getting through another day…I hope it rings true and loud for you today. #InternationalDayOfPeace [Learn more about the Peace Bell at the UN here: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/2012/peacebell.shtml ] (photo credit: UN)
