Peace Within

Think of the feeling you get when everything goes as it should. There is an inner feeling that at times defies description, almost as if a calming wave washes over you and suddenly all is right with your world. You want to smile for no apparent reason (well, to an outsider there is no apparent reason), you are happy. What brings you to that state? (written 20 Feb 2008)

For most of us, the state is not a continual thing. We have our ups and our downs, our good days and our bad days, our highs and our lows. The Max Lucado book I am starting to read, Cure for the Common Life , calls it a "sweet spot." Not having delved deeply into the book, I can't go any further than that. For those of you that are athletes (or former athletes), the term "sweet spot" is probably extremely familiar. There are all types of terms, and many different meanings we could find that would apply.

I wish I could say that every day was like that for me. Actually, I guess I could say that (I would not be truthful, but I could say it). In reality, there are days when I wake up in the morning wondering how in the world I will make it through. The load (nearly 100% self induced) seems intolerably heavy, with a path almost vertical. I wish I could say that I was that perfectly perky person who jumps out of bed ready to face the day with a smile. In reality, I prefer coffee soon after rising. If I have time to just "chill" before starting my day, that's even better. Under the current circumstances, however, I normally sleep as long as possible before jumping out of bed and rushing to do what needs to be done. I tell myself "one of these days ... ", but we all know how that goes. One day at a time, is more like it.

If I look back at my life, I can recall many times when that feeling of inner peace washed over me like a blanket of calm. Many, many of them have to do with family and the closeness we share. I have a picture taken in the hospital shortly after my granddaughter's birth last year. I'm sitting in the rocking chair in the room, holding her. Just a glance at that photograph can bring on that state, even if only briefly, because it reminds me just how very blessed I feel to be able to have her in my life. Looking at pictures of my children, remembering the last time we were together, can bring on that peace. You do not have to have children to know this peace, we all find our peace in different ways.

The one guaranteed way to find inner peace? Ask Jesus into your life. He is the calm at the center of our storm, and can flood our soul with the much-needed balm of peace. Believe in Him, trust Him to bring you through whatever struggle you feel you are facing. He can, and He will.

God, I thank you for the peace you give me. Help me to be an instrument of your peace, and give me the inner light to smile while sharing your love.

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." ~Mark 12:29-31 NIV