Its late, late enough that all are in bed and I can not only hear my fingers strike the keys, but my own breath in and out. The stillness is thick and dark, like velvet hanging in the air - delicious and soft and comforting.
Peace. After a long day, peace here in my dining room, clock ticking down the minutes until the sun rises and tomorrow becomes today.
Its easy to find peace in the solitude of silence. Easy to calm, slow, lengthen. Moments like this where peace reigns and I can feel centered again - sane.
But finding peace in the harsh light of day with the loud shrieks and the chaotic messes and the hand prints covering everything - that sort of peace takes practice. When 7 year olds glower over math pages and toddlers pull sisters' hair, peace flees unless you know how to pin it down. I always seem to forget that.
"Why can't I have any PEACE?"
How often do I use the circumstances of my inconvenience to explain neglecting to practice peace? My anger and annoyance is justified in my mind - excusable. How short sighted, when I am not only hurting those around me, but myself as well. Stress and anxiety flourish where peace is neglected. Sharp words and reactions serve to block grace and humility.
Gratitude points to peace - through gratitude I can find the goodness of every moment, every blessing. All is grace. To practice peace is to first give thanks.
Phil. 4:7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.."
Peace is already mine. Its already here. I just need to put it into practice.
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Tomorrow is on its way, and I hope I can remember:
To accept what is, and to gracefully and humbly respond in a positive way.
To speak only well thought out, kind words.
To remember gratitude points to peace - and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
"... you were called to peace...be thankful."
Nice word, so true! Reminds me of words from Ann Voskamp about having the choice in every moment to choose grace over resentment. I experienced this just this morning - I was running late getting my son off to school, feeling a little anxious. Then it occurred to me as I was peeling out of the driveway: 1) It's only Kindergarten 2)IT IS WHAT IT IS. So he may be a minute or two late. Just go with it. Stressing out,snapping at the kids, and driving like a maniac isn't going to help *anything*! Plus, I noticed my hubby had fixed the radio, so I flipped on KLOVE, and ended up having a tearfully-blessed drive time listening to some great, timely & relevant music. Blessed are the peacemakers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. I am struggling today with the prospect of going back to work after a vacation, and knowing the impending chaos for my family and the load of stress for me is making it difficult to keep focused on the peace. I find your words and scripture verses to be very encouraging, and it reminds me to turn to God with my anxiety, frustration and stress. Being a full time working mom of two and wife is so overwhelming but I feel like I have some more tools in my box to help me through. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. What I couldn't write but felt, you have captured here! I pray everyday for peace to remain within me:-)
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