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The seal depicts a dove holding an olive branch in its beak with the incription, "J'Apporte La Paix" (I Bring Peace} It's favorite seal of mine for the holidays since its message can be understood universally. Would you like a hand-painted set for the holidays? |
Where does the symbol of an olive branch originate?
The symbol of the olive branch continued throughout Greco-Roman history and into early Christianity, when olive branch symbolized the end of the great flood. Noah saw a dove carrying an olive branch, which meant the dove had found dry land.
It seems strange how peace and victory can be synonymous, as if peace is only possibly through a victory, a victory with violence, pain and tumult. What about a peace that remains peaceful in perpetuity? A peace without a beginning, middle and end?
The Peace of Wild Things
by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Listen to Wendell Berry read his poem here.
Tips for Making Holiday Card Writing more Peaceful
- Consider a spreadsheet - It may seem like a lot of work to create at first, but once you have a spreadsheet, it's easy to update each year. There are even services like Minted.com, which can print all of the addressed envelopes for you. (I am having all of my envelopes printed this year to save time).
- Pair down your list - This year I removed three people from my holiday card list. Are there people that no longer belong on your list? If so, remove them.
- Less is more. Really! - Consider make a shorter holiday card or even opting for postcards.
- Choose a few people for longer correspondence - Choosing a few people that you'd like to write a letter more in depth might help reduce what you feel you need to send to everyone else.
- Consider text and phone - I know, I know. I am always preaching the importance of heartfelt, hand-written communication, but if you haven't caught up with someone in a while, consider just sending them a short message via text or giving them a call to catch up. Since everyone sends cards this time of year, a text or call actually can feel more personal.
To a peaceful and harmonious week,
Kay
(Kathryn Hastings)