The harsh reality that comes to me out of the blue is the knowledge that we're all on edge. An unexpected loud noise, a flight overhead of an unprecedented number of jets, sirens screaming past, voices raised in alarm- all of these make me realize anew that I'm holding my breath.

On the other hand, there is this thought:

"If in the midst of the twilight, dim be the regions afar
Does not the deepening darkness brighten the glimmering star?
Then, when the night is upon us, why should the heart sink away?
When the midnight is over, look for the breaking of day."
from an old song, Whispering Hope.

And that makes me think:

There is always hope. Where there is hope, there is love. Where there is love, there is peace.