The value of having true friends
OPINION: I recall reading some interesting stuff way back that offered different ways to reduce stress.
OPINION: I trust my column today finds all things well at your place. The buoyant schedules we are enjoying at the moment are certainly bringing smiles and stability to our rural sector.
Our hard-working farmers are finally getting some well-deserved reward for their efforts.
It's amazing the difference a year can make. I'm still amazed that any politician would ever have the gall to call the very financial backbone of our economy "a sunset industry"! Surely our biggest export earner should be respected and supported for their massive contribution to our country's financial well-being, and for paying our bills!
I can never equate 'slap-in-the-face' comments like that with wise leadership.
Now, even a casual online search will inform you that earlier in 2025, there were 45 armed conflicts happening on this tiny blue marble we all know as planet earth. That's right, 45! Is our deeply troubled world at war, or what?
To my knowledge, the longest running of these 45 is still being fought after nearly eight decades. And no 'peace' seems to be on the horizon. Having personally visited this country in Asia several times, I am much more aware of their situation than with many of the others.
For those born into countries like this one, they have never known any real peace. Ongoing war is their 'normal'. It's been their lot in life for 80 years. Friends and family get wounded or killed, regularly. Continual suffering is just part of their daily life. I can scarcely imagine what that never ending 'nightmare' must be like - especially as a parent with little ones.
History informs us that World War 1 is also widely known as The Great War. A commonly used slogan at the time used to be, "The War To End All Wars". How did that tag come about, you may wonder?
Well, it was thought at the time that the unprecedented scale, devastation and slaughter in WW1 would all serve as very graphic lessons to the human family. It was assumed that as we became more civilised and better educated, we would find more civil ways to resolve our conflicts. Like... let's all agree to not go there again!
Our civilised and educated world will get it sorted? Yeah right! Is it just that we have failed to learn the lessons from the past? Or are there other deeper issues hiding here?
Yes, I surely appreciate what we have in this great little country of ours. The freedoms and peace we enjoy down here are truly a blessing. I am very thankful that this is the place I get to call home. What a privilege!
And it's great to have our closest neighbours, the Aussies, as true allies too. The ANZACs are the very stuff that lasting legends come from. But for us, our great rivalries are enjoyed and played out on our sports fields, not in shooting at each other.
After those couple of diversionary thoughts, I'll get back to the subject.
There's just something about us humans that peace will never be a lasting reality while we have war in our hearts. Yep, it's what's in our hearts that ultimately will call the shots. Where hatred, and war are brewing away in our inner world, it's just a matter of time till the real ugly stuff shows up in our outer world.
We need a heart change. And for that to happen we will need help. That's where the One also known as, the Prince of Peace, can come to our rescue.
Take care and God bless.
If you want to contact Colin Miller email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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