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"For and From the Heart":
Calm vs. Peace
Anyone looking at the calendar hanging on my bulletin board would not think I have a very mellow life. It seems each bit of space is filled with appointments and notes. A quick tour of my house reveals science projects bubbling in the kitchen, the washing machine churning, someone practicing a new tap dance in the front room, little ones running around in various dress-up costumes, a model airplane partially finished, books, pencils and paper in every nook and cranny, a sleepy dog and a cuddly cat, an artist canvas in a bedroom drying, dinner in some state of preparation, a computer humming and music coming from somewhere in the house. Outside there is wood to be stacked, weeds to be pulled, toys strewn across a lawn that too often needs mowing, clothes on the line and a pond that is home many noisy visiting water fowl.
We are not a calm home, but we are a peaceful home. Many people cannot understand how I can possibly make that statement. I have learned that peace is truly experienced in the midst of the storm. Several years ago a tornado hit our backyard. It was an awesome experience. The windows in my kitchen actually buckled and our huge pine tree was ripped in two and landed flattening our car. When I realized what had happen I knew that I had been given a true example of God's power and mercy. That storm gave me the confidence to trust God when strife hits. He will get me through anything because He is strong enough and merciful enough. I just need to keep reminding my self who God is and who I am to Him. When life seems to get more stressful than normal I make sure I have physical reminders...a special Bible verse taped above the sink, listening to some hymns or praise music to change the mood, sinking to my knees and asking my Father to give me the peace I need.
Peace is the confidence I have in my relationship with Jesus. I am sure I am His and I am seeking His will. I am sure He will guide and direct me in my roles as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, and neighbor. My life has never really been calm. Sometimes I find myself longing to be bored. As long as I keep looking at Him I will find the peace I need to get through the storms -- and science projects -- life brings.
Joyfully,
Barb
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