Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)
6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Peace is defined by dictionary.com as follows: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.
In my own life, I strive for peace. In order to do so, I have to continually meditate on the word and I have to make time to be quiet before the Lord. Sometimes when you don’t know the words to say in prayer, just the quiet and opening up of your heart to him is all he needs.
Sometimes you have to find peace or contentment in where you are at the moment. Sometimes a beautiful flower, a sunset, a bird chirping or a newborn babies cry are things that are peaceful. I enjoy going to the Pisgah Covered Bridge and just sitting and listening to the water as it flows down the stream. Many times I sit at night and just look at the stars and watch to see if there might be a glimpse of a shooting star. That can bring peace.
Peace is often just what you do in the midst of chaos. Sometimes we find peace in our friendships and in laughter. I have been blessed with a multitude of friends whom I can call on day or night. Each person brings something different to my life and they bring a different perspective to each new problem or each situation in my life. Sometimes we just laugh.
Peace is sometimes found in the writings of others. Some people don’t like to read, but it brings me peace. I love music, so I listen to CD’s that are uplifting and I can sing along to. I wouldn’t call my singing the best, but hey, do I do it anyway. A friend used to joke with me about seeing me on the highway and she’d say, “You were just singing and didn’t see me.” Honestly, with my lack of focus sometimes, I don’t need to see anyone on the highway, but the singing does make me happy and joyful.
In this stressful world, what we do in order to bring some sort of peace into our lives can make a difference. Being with your family, sharing stories with friends, taking time to listen to the elderly or just being by yourself can bring peace. Some people don’t enjoy being alone, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. I have a photo on my desktop for my computer and it’s my son on his motorcycle giving me the peace sign. You know, that brings him peace.
My prayer for you today is that you find some peace in your life. Whatever it takes and whatever way you decide to find it, find some PEACE.
Merry Christmas to all and be blessed during this special season of hope and peace! For unto us was born a Savior who came that we may have peace on earth.
(originally written 8-28-07)
