Peaceful things: Quiet mornings, a good book and a crackling fireplace, sleeping children, snowflakes floating through the air, calm gatherings, silent nights and the glow of Christmas lights.
Not so-peaceful things: Running late, contentious conversations, work deadlines/pressure, driveways waiting to be shoveled, horns honking impatiently, crowded stores and the non-stop Christmas carols blaring out of speakers.
I have known both…I have soaked in plenty of peaceful moments and struggled through non-peaceful seasons of life. I have also been a peace stealer. I obviously do not say this to brag, but in hope that my admission helps others who have a similar tendency.
How do I steal peace you may ask…I have a few “go to” methods. The first of which impacts my poor beloved more than anyone else.
For example (sadly this is just one of many): When the kids were young, attending a Christmas Eve church service was part of our tradition. Our normally adequately large sanctuary would fill to standing room only for this special service. Arriving early is my husband’s love language…he HATES to be late. A late arrival at a Christmas Eve service would make sitting together with family and friends impossible and parking a nightmare. And yet, for some reason (because I am a peace thief) I would mismanage my time causing us to be sliding into the parking lot, racing to the pew, disheveled children in tow, a flustered spouse and I still lacking a sense of urgency. My thoughtlessness effortlessly whisked away any chance for my poor hubby to have a peaceful evening.
My ability to snatch peace from family or friends with my words is astonishing even to me. Perhaps born out of my personal struggle with anxiety, but when someone shares their first steps toward a dream, or a risk they are considering, or a new idea, my mind instantly swarms with all manner of “what if” s and worst-case scenarios…far too often these thoughts ooze outward pressing my worries into their mindset. I realize I am not always responsible for the peace, or lack of peace, others feel, but these days I am more mindful of the impact of my words and actions.
No doubt the most frequent victim of my peace thievery is myself. I am prone to wallowing in worry. The burden of an imaginative mind is that, while a wonderful gift most of the time, one can easily project negative outcomes and feel crushed by defeat before getting started. Watching social media, reading or watching the news, even having conversations with others can trigger a spiral…I don a virtual “cheese burglar” sort of mask and start tucking away any hope of peace of mind as I dwell on the many things out of my control and yet still overwhelming and disheartening.
I was such a worrier as a kid, my mom would OFTEN tell me “Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything”. I would be an adult before I realized she had been quoting scripture to me. That verse would become a precious part of my life, a mantra, rallying cry, reminder, challenge and anchor when threatened by peace stealers. Today it is still mine and my husband’s life verse and one requiring frequent revisiting.
Recognition of my peace thieving tendency has helped me work towards guarding my thoughts, actions and words. I must ask myself, am I taking someone peace away? Am I letting someone, or something rob me of peace? I have learned that peace, real peace, God’s peace, has little to do with circumstances. True, unshakable peace is what God has brought to the world for our hearts. In Christ He reconciles us to Him, redeems us and affords us mercy and grace.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6&7
This year may we keep our thoughts on Him, and our hearts be lifted and filled with an overwhelming peace, a peace that is beyond comprehension, a peace that will guard our hearts and minds, no matter the weight we carry, in Christ, Jesus.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders, and He will be called wonderful counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6-7
This peace is for us all! Don’t let anyone, thing, or circumstance steal it away!
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all on whom His favor rest.”
Tuesday With Teri 