As we’ve unpacked things, we occasionally come across a box that isn’t labeled very clearly. So, we open it up and check out the contents so we can figure out where it ought to live in our new home.

One of these boxes had some old memorabilia from my high school days, including an award for some kind of math challenge at which I apparently excelled. I don’t even remember it. I think, That doesn’t say much about who I am now.

Honestly, it only paints a fraction of a complete picture of me at the time. I was involved in a lot of different activities. There were (and are) a lot of different pieces of my complete identity.

This week, the U.S. recognizes Veterans Day. It can be kind of complicated for some peace-loving folx. We even sang a song on Sunday that envisioned a world in which there could be no more war. Is it hypocritical to honor the people who seem to stand for something different than a peaceful world?

Maybe this isn’t an issue for you. Maybe, like me, you have awards or medals that represent one piece of you but fall short of painting a complete picture of who you are. And maybe you know that people do things for a wide variety of reasons. Maybe you’re skillful at finding things to admire and respect about people who don’t think and believe the same things you do.

After all, some people serve in the military because they believe they are creating a more peaceful world. Some people express their love for humanity and their devotion to human well-being by doing what they believe will best protect others from harm.

Even if we detest war, even if we hope for a world in which peace prevails, I imagine we can appreciate something about the human beings who served in the military. Beyond their inherent worth and dignity, there are likely qualities and characteristics—meaningful actions in the world perhaps—pieces of them that evoke our admiration. Or gratitude. Or compassion. Maybe that’s one way to nurture wholeness and well-being in the world around us: to look for the pieces in others that are worthy of celebration and admiration and gratitude and focus on those things. To say Thank you or Well done sincerely about those pieces of who they are, rather than looking for things to criticize or tear down. Maybe that’s one path toward a global community with peace and liberty and justice for every person.

Rev. Randy Partain

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