Introduction: My Hope For The World

Soundly sleeping he stirs then slowly opens his eyes.

His head turns toward the window which is closed to all but a small stream of daylight's first glimmer. As he begins to return to the oblivion and safety of sleep he wonders if there is beauty in this day and grows curious. He turns aside his blanket, shifts his feet to the floor and bravely stands.

He moves to the window, turns a shutter slightly aside and allows a tiny bit of the light that lies beyond the comfortable darkness of his room.

Bracing himself he closes his eyes and throws both shutters wide. His eyes open to the brilliance of the light and of all in the world. Joy and understanding overwhelm him - the magnificence of who he truly is, who he is able to be and the beauty of all life is now apparent.

Moving out into the world he encounters the elation of love, the sweetness and innocence of a child, his fellow man, the delight in all that lies before him and what future may lie ahead.

This is what I hope for the world - an awakening for every being.

Is happiness and peace possible for the people of this world? Can it really be had? Yes. But each one of us must first open both eyes, stand bravely and look.