Peace

Undeniably we are in the midst of trying times. Extremists in France struck twice this year. Nearly all the Middle East is under fire. Things have spun out of control for a while and very little has been done about it. There are more troubled times ahead, as anyone can plainly see.

While war ramps up and the armchair generals take their plans to social media, this is column is a plea for you the reader to take a step back and go help an animal who needs you or visit that friend who is lonely. The war will be fine without you.

We have too much joy to live for, too many great things to see around us to be drawn into the world of terrorism and mass murder. Grab a camera and a good coat and go for a walk and see. Share your joy on social media. Get ready for the Santa Claus Parade on Friday.

Chatham-Kent is advantaged over the big cities in Canada who have high-level terror alerts in place. There is no reason in the world to be fearful of terrorism here.

Take the day to reflect on how much gratitude you share with other Canadians to be safe. Kiss your citizenship with passion. Life is what you make it and we don’t have forever to shape it. Be a cause for togetherness and not a cause for division. It starts with you and the great outdoors. One step outside and see the peace that surrounds you. Breath it in and pass it along. Freedom is that peace and we have it to enjoy. Wasting it on wars that we can’t control forfeits our greatest asset. Don’t let others take away your freedom - your peace.