Chaos versus Peace


    While on school playground duty, I observed a new game: Chaos versus Peace.

    The first team to capture the top of the play structure wins.

    No pushing or shoving is allowed.

    Chaos relies on incessant noise to confuse Peace.

    Peace can only use their regular voices—no yelling.

    Chaos was clearly winning, time after time. Peace couldn’t hear one another over the constant screaming of Chaos.

    But then, Peace called a strategy huddle. They couldn’t yell, but they could use hand signals. Without making a sound, they tried to outwit Chaos. I stood in amazement as their quiet strategy began to work.

    Chaos screamed louder and louder. And then—I watched as Peace captured the top. The formerly undefeated Chaos realized that yelling louder didn’t help them win anymore.

    Recess ended before another battle could begin, but as everyone filed back to class, I realized something:

    Peace and quiet can win in a noisy world.


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        Karen Farris

        A Pacific Northwest born and bred woman of faith. Wife, mother, grandmother, hiker, writer, and blogger since 2011. Friday Tidings is a place to share stories of the journey through our time here.

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