Am I practising peace? No. Not really. The closest I get to practising peace is getting out into the garden and stopping when I hear the twittering of wrens nearby; trying to spot their plump little chests and bodies as they dart merrily about.
Is it something that I aspire to practise or is it something that I instead need to receive? When I think about peace, mostly I think about having everything in a state or order, under control so that I can rest. And by under control, I mean my control. Not in a control freak kind of way but more like I am succeeding in life, and I have my ducks in a row, at least for the moment.
When I think about truly being at peace though, it is almost opposite to being in control, or developing a habit of restfulness and relaxation. It is more about surrender, knowing that someone far more capable than me is in control. Someone far wiser knows how this will all turn out. Someone far more powerful than me is in the driving seat and will see me right, even if things turn out in complete contrast to my desired vision.
Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives… John 14:27
True peace is a gift, something that we choose to receive and accept by adjusting our focus. We can choose to look at the mess in the house or look out the window at the wrens darting across the lawn. We can choose to focus on our limitations and the challenges straining our capabilities or dwell on the maker of the heavens and the earth who not only knows our struggles but can hold us through them.
Peace is not the absence of trials but rather the confidence to stand through them. It is so easy to get overwhelmed when we are trying to do everything on our own steam. Dwelling on God’s power, plan and promises can realign us with the peace of having someone else in the driving seat., who has actually got a license.
God’s marvelous creation already has all of the necessary elements to bring us into a state of peace. Bird song is particularly good at calming our nervous systems as our brains and bodies seem to know that the birds only sing when it is safe. Singing in the presence of predators would draw attention to them and lessen their chances of survival. Therefore when we hear bird song it naturally calms us. It is hard to spend time in nature and observe the vastness of creation and still maintain that we are ultimately in control. Nature, harnessing the power of God’s supreme design, can cut through our mental clutter and calmly remind us that we are but a small, while valued part of creation. To allow peace to reign in our lives, we need to recognise the need for it and seek it out by regularly bathing in nature as we seek communion with him, the Prince of Peace.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28,29.