Poised for peace; poised for war

Dear Friends

There is much more to come, of course, but the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics was already a feast, not just for my eyes but for my ears. Consider that rich smorgasbord-like playlist of Western classical favorites, as the athletes marched in. Was that an “overture” by China, trying to reach out to the West? 

Then there was the children’s choir singing the anthem “Snowflake”, including this refrain:

Snowflake, snowflake

Blossom in the sun

At home or in the far

Shining wherever you are

There was also the Olympic Hymn they sung acapella, with those sweet, smiling faces, including this verse:

As now we come across the world

To share these games of old

Let all the flags of every land

In brotherhood unfold

And what a contrast when it comes to the athletes! Young people poised to offer their best at the Olympic Games, and, at the same time, young people poised on borders in Eastern Europe, preparing for battle with war games!

The Olympics are not free of politics and scandals, of course. But at their best, they offer us a vision of literally passing the torch to a new generation,  with far nobler ideals and purpose than those who are being ordered to gather and arm and wait for war. What a contrast for parents watching proudly and parents watching in fear for the lives of their beloved.

We can hope and pray that the next two weeks will not only be a happy distraction from the daily digest of depressing news; but maybe, also be, a long enough pause for cooler and saner heads of state to prevail.

A pause to give peace another chance.

John