15 | August | 2023 | the grizzle grist mill

What brings you peace?

Things in this life that bring me peace are waterfalls, and a child’s laughter, and mountaintop sunsets, and the breeze rustling through the trees.

But truly, there is only one thing that can bring me true inner peace.

And it’s not found in a magazine, or a shopping center, or material possessions.

It’s not discovered in a song or a conversation or an atmosphere of friends or family.

It’s not even realized in a moonlit stroll or an early morning city run.

Truthfully, it’s not recognized in these things because it’s not a thing.

My peace is revealed in the One who created peace, in the One who designed those mountains, sunbeams and starlight that can swirl around in our moments of peace.

My peace is unveiled by the One who IS peace.

His very name is The Prince of Peace.

And when I have Him within, I find that peace is wherever I go.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

What is the rush?

We run to get dressed. We hustle to get the kids ready for school. We hurry to get to work. We scurry to get our jobs done.

We dash to get the kids home, to eat, to practice, to do homework and off to bed. We bustle to get ourselves to sleep to start the new day all over again.

We rush, rush, rush like a hamster on a wheel.

Even our breaks and our vacations seem to fill up with more scheduling and more doing.

But why the rush? What is so important?

Our breathing, our health, our expressions of love?

Our legacies, our memories, our impressions of care?

What is really vital? Our advancements or our investments?

What really makes a difference? Our successes or our impacts?

Can we take a breath and inhale a little peace and exhale a little gratitude?

Can we take a pause and look around us and reach to the ones coming behind?

Slow down a minute and really see who is watching you.

Stop seeking the approval of those who won’t matter tomorrow.

Seek the One who will be there for eternity.

Encompass those who await your calm.

Envelope those who need your adoration.

Take a rest and make a memory for life.

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10

The work of righteousness will be peace,
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places, though hail comes down on the forest, and the city is brought low in humiliation.
Isaiah 32:17-19