I have long desired to have a peaceful home.  I have often despaired because I don't feel my home is peaceful.  We have a lot of people with a lot going on and quite frankly, our home can be quite boisterous and apparently disorderly at times.  Granted, there are times when the house is cleaned, the children are studious and curteous, dinner is delicious and on time, the clothes are washed and put away, the beds are made, and everyone is smiling--just not all at the same time! 

    So I was a bit surprised when my mother-in-law who stayed with us for 3 weeks during the holidays remarked about what a peaceful home we have.  I can fool people I only see a couple of hours into thinking I have it together but surely, after living in our midst for so long, she would know the truth.  She went on to describe the atomosphere of our home as "happy choas".  I realized then, that by "peaceful", I had always meant "quiet, subdued, & calm".  But there is a different kind of peace in our home.  One that is seldom quiet!  Though there are occasional tears and bickering as siblings do, for the most part our children are happy and good friends with each other.  This kind of peace is much better than one that is simply quiet.