“Pray for Ukraine” is not enough.

The acts of loving one’s enemy and peacemaking are terribly difficult and complex both in our personal lives and in our global context. While I can never claim to fully know the right action in response to the violence in Ukraine, there are manners in which we might posture ourselves against violence.

Many have been posting, “pray for Ukraine” or “my thoughts and prayers are with Ukraine.” While I believe prayer is important and meaningful, prayer is not the solution for the crisis in Ukraine, unless those praying become the actual response to their articulated pleas for peace.

My oldest daughter has been obsessed recently with the 2007 Pixar Production, Ratatouille. She is watching it right now for the third time this month and claims that it is the most underrated of all the digitally animated Pixar motion pictures. In addition to the French city scapes and the portrayed cultural appreciation of fine food, I believe that she values the premise of the movie. The film continually reiterates its claim that “anyone can cook.”

Can anyone cook?

Can anyone concoct culinary cuisine and convections?

Perhaps anyone can learn to cook. With enough patience, persistence, and practice, anyone can learn both the science and the art of creating extraordinary edibles. But can anyone cook anything?

Do you ever feel like you’re always waiting for something?

Perhaps you’re waiting in line.

Maybe you’re waiting in traffic.

You could be waiting for your big break or your next professional opportunity.

Maybe you’re waiting to find love — be that romantic or simply friendship.

Maybe you’re waiting for something meaningful in your life — some kind of realization of your purpose — or an acceptance of what you believe — or a community of people with whom you can be honest and authentic.