My Peace

A few years ago, I stopped by my neighbor for a quick minute; she was ‘cleaning house’. Meaning she was getting rid of everything that caused her undue stress. When her husband and son came home that evening, they noticed she was fully engrossed in the process and questioned her. She told them exactly what she told me then proceeded to warn them to be careful. They just might be next in line. 🤣That was my belly-roll, tears falling, crack-me -up moment of the week. I laughed so hard, I nearly wet myself. She was dead serious. Like her, I have had those moments in life when I took a fighting stance – for my peace. At times, I’ve had to let go of things, thoughts, desires, and expectations. A time or two, I’ve also had to leave some people behind or just decide to ‘love them from afar’.

I love this picture of me at the former Holy Land Experience. They did an amazing job of portraying Jesus leaving earth. One thing He said He left with us was peace. The peace that doesn’t make sense to the natural man. The peace that should be so reflective of this holiday season. Instead we find ourselves stressed, overwhelmed, overburdened, sleep deprived, inebriated, gorged, and tired.

I wonder what we would feel like if people came to celebrate our birth, but did nothing that pleased us. They were so busy ‘doing’, they never even took a moment to acknowledge us. The gift we gave them was totally ignored while they celebrated everyone and everything else. Pursuing every passion or desire, trying to find what we already tried to give them. I believe that’s one of the reasons we find ourselves indulging in all kind of crazy. We’re all just trying to find some peace. Sadly we often look in the wrong places. When it’s all said and done, a life without peace will continue to search. In many cases, we settle for ‘that which cannot satisfy’.

Peace is a gift that should be valued and guarded. Let’s be intentional this season; seek peace and pursue it. I encourage us to protect the sanctity of our minds while we reflect on the ‘why’ of this season. Remember the reason you celebrate. Watch out for those things and people that come to rob you of your peace. Be reminded it’s okay to say no – for the sake of your peace. Whatever you do , choose not to be moved from your place of peace. As a believer, I found my peace in my relationship with Christ. That’s where I decide to stay this season. In the spirit of this season – ‘peace on earth and goodwill to you and yours’.

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians3:16

*** Thanks for reading. Guard your peace.