What is peace?

Randy, that's really a thought-provoking question...seems like it should have an easy answer, but not necessarily. I do talk a lot about peace, and your question made me realize I have been focusing on a very narrow view of the subject, defining it, in the most basic of terms, as the absence of war between nations. I think that's a perfectly acceptable definition, but certainly not a very complete one. (And our current efforts, as a country, to achieve peace through the use of force, results in a horrible irony, I think. How can we fight our way to peace?)
I don't claim to be a language scholar, (and what follows is a very simplistic definition) but the Hebrew word "shalom," which is often used as a word of blessing, means peace. Shalom does not simply mean the lack of war; it is complete peace, based on living in harmony and oneness with God and everyone else. It is the notion of embracing all the best we can be, achieve and experience: soundness, security, welfare, friendliness, tranquility. Living in shalom is striving for perfection. It calls us to live relationships marked by respect, justice and goodwill to all.
Rather than a wispy ideal, peace is about solid footing in the world. It is the state of living free from worry and fear. Peace does not cause us, as a nation, to hyper-ventilate over a deluded young man on an airplane with three ounces of explosive powder in his underpants. Peace does not prompt us to have catchphrases such as, "a new year with new fears about terrorism," which was a lead-in to a news program I saw today.
Jesus lived a passionate, caring life, a life of balance in which he did not lose his inner peace even in the midst of turmoil. He didn't suffer from stress and "melt-downs," he was not afraid of the unknown; change did not cause him to panic. As Jesus knew his last days on earth were approaching, he left his disciples with words of comfort, words which are for us today, as well. In John 14:27, he says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
Peace is, indeed, the absence of war between nations, but it is so much more. It is the absence of thoughts which trouble our hearts; it is living a life which is complete and whole and free of worry and stress.
Now, having said all of that, I also want to add, in regard to peace specifically between nations, I have often wondered what would have happened if, after 9/11, the United States had not tried to bomb the terrorists into submission, but had, instead, mounted a huge, humanitarian relief effort. In effect, what if we had followed the teaching of Jesus who instructed us to love our enemies and overcome evil with good?
It is estimated that it would take about 40 billion dollars (give or take a few billion) to "cure" poverty worldwide. This includes providing clean drinking water and an education for everyone, and addressing women's health issues. What if, instead of spending approximately 1 trillion dollars (give or take 10 billion or so) on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we had used that money to sow seeds of kindness and love? We would have given the money regardless of a nation's religious or cultural beliefs, so a big chunk of that money would have been distributed in poverty-stricken areas which are largely dominated by Islam.
I believe if we had ministered to the Muslim masses, they would not have allowed the terrorists to gain a foothold in the world. They would have said no to the extremists among them. They would have seen us as "saviors," rather than invaders and the warmongers we have become. Many experts have pointed out that our presence in Iraq and Afghanistan has been the greatest recruiting tool that the Taliban has. Common sense and spiritual wisdom can only confirm this line of thinking.
I've heard various folks say that is not the way we can deal with this particular enemy because they hate our way of life and they will never give up, but I defy anyone to say they have a better idea than Jesus on any topic, including the way to achieve peace.
So, I guess that's my (sort of long) definition of peace. Following is St. Francis of Assisi's "Prayer for Peace," which has always stuck with me and is a pretty good summary as well.
What about you? What are your thoughts on defining peace?

Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.

--- St. Francis of Assisi