Peace

We are rarely called to do something, even in its smallest measure, when it is most convenient for us. However, it is the choices we make in these moments that define our character and how we live our life. Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

So, are you in the midst of all these things? I'm pretty sure most everyone is. But, are you calm in your heart?

Peace. I think when most people think of it, they picture calm sandy beaches, nice weather, or a bubble bath with candles and soft music. And sure, this can bring peace, but it's temporary. The minute we are back in our daily lives, that unsettled feeling creeps back in. We are flooded with opportunities around us, but because we don't have time, we haven't gotten enough sleep, it's time to eat, it sounds too hard, or we think someone else may step in, we pass them by.

Now, we are all selfish. It is an unfortunate part of being human. However, life does not need to be this way. How then, do we rid ourselves of this tension and stress in a world that seems to be based upon it? Normally, we may think that in order to better ourselves we must accumulate. That is, we add knowledge, technology, comforts, time, pleasure, etc. to our lives to better our lives. But maybe, the answer isn't addition. It's subtraction.

Think about this. When we give of ourselves, we enhance our surroundings (those we helped) and we enhance ourselves because while we were created in God's image, we messed up. We sinned and thus, we are not perfect. However, the more we deny ourselves and give up our selfish ways, the closer we come to being who God intended us to be. If you peel back enough of the of the layers that have covered up who God intended you to be,  you will be amazed at the results.

I have begun peeling back layers and already discovered that I don't have to deal with many things  I thought were simply part of life. I used to be very stressed, a control freak, unsettled, anxious, and paranoid about my acceptance from others. Now, while some of these things are still evident in my personality, they do not reign over my life. Numerous times over the last year, I have had peace in my heart when I KNEW the old me would have been freaking out. Or now, being truly happy with who I am and accepting myself not based upon the scale society has created for beauty or success, but the fact that God loves us is amazing. I honestly do not think I understood or realized I was holding such a weight on my shoulders until began to lift.

So, if you feel like the world is weighing down on you, try this experiment for two weeks. As opportunities arise where you can be of help - to either a person or a cause or anything - and you would normally turn it down or in place of it do something for yourself, give yourself up. This will accomplish a few of things. First, you will become source of help to your surroundings for which they will be extremely grateful. Next, you may realize some selfish tendencies you didn't know you had and self discovery and being honest with yourself are important if you really want to grow. Finally, you may start to feel the beginnings of a burden being lifted from your shoulders. Now, it will not be the easiest thing you've ever done and it will take time, but it will be the start of something beautiful. It will be the start of a gift being given and received and it can change your life.


One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty (Proverbs 11:24).

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6).