This Sunday I’m sharing — just a bit — at the Christmas Women’s Event for our church. There’s a bit of irony in my story — as I’m sharing on peace — and my life, at least right now, is so far from peace that I don’t know how to begin. As I raced from destination to destination today, buckling and unbuckling kids, and going over my never-ending mental to-do list I found my stress level ramping higher and higher.
And I’m to talk about peace?
Maybe it’s not about December being peaceful. Because, seriously, unless you live in the middle of nowhere with no internet, television, phone, car service, and more I don’t know how December can be anything but mildly busy. Certainly not peaceful.
Yet, there’s still peace in my heart.
Peace found in snippets of time throughout my day.
Peace isn’t about having all the ducks-in-a-row and everything quiet. I could waste my life trying to find peace that way — time would keep moving and instead of peace I’d be brewing bitterness, or jealousy, or sadness. Peace is recognizing the beauty of NOW. Enjoying the moments placed in our lives — living fully — and grateful. My life could be a mess and yet there still can be peace in my soul.
I just need to embrace it — love the moments I’ve been blessed with. Samuel’s smile. Brennan’s laughter. Hannah’s singing. Caleb’s hug. Chloe’s servant’s heart. Elijah’s silliness. Gracie’s “i love you’s.” Todd’s faithfulness. That’s peace in the midst of everything.
The irony? I start writing thinking my life is too crazy to have peace and I discover that my life is full of peace. Maybe not peace like we’d imagine. Or at least I’d imagine — you know perfect stillness — and yet, really, when you think of that first Christmas the setting was the farthest thing from peace. There in a barn, with straw as a bed, perfect peace was found. Not in the environment, but in our Savior.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
12 comments
Thank you for this beautiful reminder that there is peace all around me, even on days where it appears chaotic.
Absolutely beautiful!
the best gift of all is peace how I wish all find this wonderful gift at christmas time
merry christmas
After reading this I think maybe I’ve been searching a little bit too hard for peace. Thanks for the beautiful reminder.
Yes. Yes yes. Good reminder. Thanks.
Praising God for the Prince of Peace!!!
Sometimes we learn more when preparing a talk for ourselves than what others might get out of it. Maybe this is one of Gods tests for you to help you learn more about peace and find it more in your home. Im sure its there, but if its like mine at times it hides 🙂
This makes me think that Jesus’ life was pretty hectic as well. The crowds of people followed Him everywhere and didn’t give Him a moments peace so He had to sneak away into the mountains in the middle of the night to spend time in prayer. I really think He was a pretty tired man.
Good post and all the best on sharing on Sunday.
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rachel, what a good lesson for me! i love this: peace “not in the environment but in our Savior.” how true this is! it was very timely for me to read this today when it seems like no part of my day went well… it was rather chaotic. thank you for reminding me that peace is found in sweet Jesus!
Whatever the Lord allows to happen in your life, He’ll get you through! Praying!
Psalms 91:9-12 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
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I love this post because I often think how that “peaceful night” when Jesus was born wasn’t complete silence, but peace on earth, the moment Jesus was born. Thanks for sharing this encouraging post!
I’ve been on that same path lately. 🙂
http://www.dailysurrendertojesus.com/2010/12/how-often-have-you-found-yourself-in.html
“peace on earth, the moment Jesus was born” That baby laying in the manger IS peace on earth. How awesome it is to remember! Praying for you this Sunday.