If — and that may be the biggest little word in our lexicon — you could ask for, could have, one thing for yourself, what would it be? What, indeed.

Many, if not most, might ask for happiness. I believe that happiness comes as a byproduct of other things.

Then, especially for those who have lost it, good health would be the one thing most desired. No question.

Absent poor health, I believe that the one thing to be valued above all else, in our asking, should be peace of mind. That’s right. Peace of mind.

Some seek this through their particular faith tradition. Some seek this through achieving financial security. Some seek this through career satisfaction. Some seek this through avocational endeavors.

There are, of course, other things that drive some in this seeking. This believing that if only I can achieve, attain, thus and such, then I’ll be happy. Will success in bringing to fruition such desires also bring peace of mind?

Perhaps some are successful in their seeking. Some, perhaps not. I would think that it all turns on where one places his or her values.

Without meaning to depict myself as a devoutly religious person, at least not in a conventional sense, I find comfort, solace, in the written word, both within and without the religious realm.

In particular, I really like that which is attributed to John Henry (Cardinal) Newman, who was an English theologian and author (1801-90).

He penned these lines, this petition, this prayer:

“Oh Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.

“Then in thy mercy grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest, and a peace at the last.”

And if one can believe in, hold onto this hope, then surely we can have that peace of mind that makes the journey worthwhile.

APROPOS — “Peace of mind does not come to those who always put themselves and their desires first.”

— Anon