Peace comes in many forms

I am not sure how you define peace, but peace is what drove me to move and bring our family to our new home. I used to visit my friends in their home and the girls would comment that within five minutes I would be asleep-that’s peace. There was always something special about being connected with nature, the quiet that would shut out the chaos of any day-it never failed. As I settle in our new home, I have been greeted with more wildlife in the last week than I have had a chance to see in a long time. When Helena sat on the back porch today after school she shared she just loved the ripples created in the water as the raindrops fell. I get it, I know all of this was always present, even where we used to live, but now we SEE it. I feel like I can breathe in the quiet. All the little things that felt consuming no longer have any strength when compared to all that surrounds me-the big problems seem so small. That’s peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV). This peace I feel, it could only be created by God alone.

When I think of my life and where I have found that peace, it has always been grounded on God’s creations. I have found that peace when climbing Kili when I first stood above the clouds knowing I was seeing what few would ever see. I have found that peace when I lay on the sandy bottom of the ocean and watch the eels come poking out by the masses looking like grass waving in the water. I have found that peace when I sit on the front porch in the morning and hear the first birdsong as the light begins to break through the night. I have found that peace with the smell of Eucalyptus on a 15 mile hike on the Camino. All of this peace, the peace that defies all understanding, comes from God alone. It shuts out the worry of work, relationships, health…it allows me to simply be in the moment. Where and how do you find your peace?

I chatted with someone today that shared they built their forever home on over 60 acres. It takes her an hour to get to and from work most days, but that is a price she is willing to pay for her peace. My sister shared the same. She lives on her farm and when she comes home from work, she can find that peace. My drive in to work may be longer on some days and I may be further away from some of my norms, but that is the price I am willing to pay for this peace. There is nothing like it.

Today, I pray that you find your peace. I pray you seek it and once you find it, you don’t let go.

I pray these words spoke to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.