Peace

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Over 60 years ago in a writing class, we were asked to write about “Peace.” I chose to write about inner peace. Now, in my less than young years I am writing about it again. Beginning a writing is like starting a painting, you have a blank surface in front of you; you pray to our Lord and you just go where he leads. Jesus speaks of the peace - the inner peace - that only he can give ... no pills, no sweets, nor drugs to make us “high”, nor any other physical comfort may give us this peace. This peace that Jesus gives can help us all, everyone everywhere. And his peace can bring understanding of all. His peace brings compassion, patience, trust, and his love. His peace can bridge differences of all kinds.

So I speak to gentle friends, meaning to everyone, “Hush, wait, be still, you need not be afraid.” Jesus overcame the world, and he will come again. Our physical world has been shut down, yet now can you hear birds singing in the early morn'? Can you see a rose bud blossom slowly? Can you listen to another person speak of their sorrow? Can you touch their inner being with God's grace through a prayer for healing. Can you encourage a young child or a less than young child (senior citizen) that there is still hope for our country and this world which God created? Then be still, hush. Wait ... the peace will come. Let Us Pray Dear Heavenly Father, Friend, Creator of all, show me in my times of disbelief ways to be more kind, gentle, and firm in a kindly way, the love that you have for all. May I not be afraid to let You, God, show me the way in my darkest hour a flame of Your light, either to understand or to be understood; to not be in a hurry but to wait for your lead. Amen.