I’m just one person. I am not a world leader. I cannot control the destiny of nations. I cannot decide whether to send out an army, or drones, or decide not to. I can elect those who have that power, but my vote does not really control what they do.

So in my smaller world, where can I find peace? What can I do to achieve peace?

I am fortunate to live in a nice home, in a nice neighborhood. I don’t go to bed hungry, and neither does my family. So when I wake up in the morning, I find peace. I step outside to get the paper and get to enjoy the quiet, and the sky, and the trees around the neighborhood. It’s still early, it’s quiet, and there’s no conflict. These days I often leave home before my wife wakes up, so as she lies there, there is peace. I get to my desk at the office, usually before most other people, and as I sip my morning coffee, there is peace.

I know that some people view me as cranky at times, but I’m sincerely trying to change. A cancer scare does that. But I’m really trying to be calmer, more forgiving, more tolerant. I’m much more patient waiting in lines, or dealing with traffic, than I used to be. I try to put into practice what I learn in my yoga class, and in times of stress, I take deep breaths, do a calming hand gesture, and practice mindfulness. It helps.

If the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil can set off a tornado in Texas, maybe if I can achieve peace in my world, that might have its own ripple effect. And if I can be the calm in the middle of whatever storm might arise, then maybe my peace will spread.

Paul Glaser is an appellate court trial attorney. He is also my “bimah partner” who week after week has my back as we try to provide a meaningful worship experience. He does so with grace, compassion and a sense of humor. Cranky–not so much–but he does like things to run smoothly and on time.