You are invited to join in the conflict. Choose as many as you’d like. Here are a few of the more popular ones; the war on drugs, cancer, obesity, etc. One of the nice things about most of these conflicts is that you do not need to carry a weapon. Of course, there will be casualties.

The central theme is the fight against something outside of yourself. It’s also much bigger than the average person, something we have little ability to resolve alone. So we need to organize groups, raise money, and hire experts. Then the war begins. But where and when does it end?

War is big business. It captures our attention and creates an emotional response. Most of us join sides. Then come the banners, the t-shirts, the slogans, the phone calls, the letters, and the pressure to actively participate. Who can remain on the sidelines when everyone around us is in the game?

The conflict has become the chief weapon in the world’s arsenal. It begins with a rallying cry to pay attention to some wrong that needs to be righted. The enemy must be clearly identified so all will know where to focus their anger and aggression. It may be a politician, a religion, an organization, a neighbor, or even a personal choice (such as sexual orientation).

One thing is made transparently obvious, they are wrong and we are on the side of good. We must make our stand and we must do it now. Otherwise they will win and we will suffer the consequences.

And what of your co-workers, friends and neighbors? How often do you hear them complain to you about someone or something? Are they just venting or are they asking for your agreement? This is another invitation to conflict. They surround us. But they cannot overcome us.

Peace is not something fought for. It is a choice, an individual and ultimately personal choice. It will not be found anywhere out there until it is first planted within. It is a fragile seed that requires care and a nurturance to see it grow and blossom. It starts small, but with determination it will become a foundation capable of supporting a home, a community, a nation.

When will the wars end? A better question, one that each of us can answer for ourself, is when does the peace begin. Let the conflicts fall away. Choose to be peace.