Hubby Roy and I have just returned from ANOTHER trip. Can I just say I’m really tired of traveling? Quick jaunts. Loooong getaways. Business or pleasure, it doesn’t matter. I’m ready to be HOME! But I’ve learned a little about peace while we’ve been traveling.
However, before I share about our lessons on peace, let me say that Roy and I are introverts. We refuel when we’re alone but (hopefully) hide it well with extrovert tendencies when with others. I’ve discovered during our travels that I also refuel better AT HOME! So peace-on-the-go has been a challenge.
The Challenge Begins
After hubby’s retirement on February 1st, we left our home in the North Carolina mountains to begin three months of traveling: twice to Atlanta, twice to Florida, twice to Indiana, and our last trip to visit long-time friends in the Pacific Northwest (PNW).
So how exactly did the Lord speak through all the hub-bub to offer peace on-the-go? Here are a few of my thoughts after pondering the past three months:
Peace Lesson #1 – Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
We moved from one friend’s house to another for 2 nights. I remembered all my dress-up clothes for a big party except my fancy shoes. Yep, the picture shows the dilemma–polka-dot rain boots with a sparkly cocktail dress. Hrumph!
Can you read the sign hanging in my friend’s hallway?
“When we put our cares in His hands, He puts His peace in our hearts.”
Peace Lesson #2 – God’s Presence, Not Mine
During our last day in the PNW, we got the news that two police officers were shot and killed in our quiet little mountain town of Boone. Three others died as well. It was tragic, affecting our close-knit community to its core. And the 13-hour standoff occurred less than a mile from the Christian school where Roy was headmaster–and where our grandkids still attend. (CLICK HERE for the full story.)
Eight hours after Boone’s tragic outcome, I received news that my nephew (age 41) had developed a blood clot in his heart (vaccination complication) and wasn’t expected to live.
My first response to both situations was, “I need to BE THERE!” But what could I do? Nothing. Why do we feel as if our presence makes a difference?
The truth is…it’s God’s presence that counts, and HE ACTS on our prayers.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer.” 1 Peter 3:12
The Rest of the Story
As I write this newsletter, I’m sitting in an airport on my way home. I just received a text that my nephew was released from the hospital with a hopeful prognosis for full recovery. The town of Boone is loving and supporting the families of the brave officers who gave their lives and grieving with the family of the victims.
I wasn’t present for any of it, but my prayers joined those of thousands, and God’s presence made ALL the difference! HE WAS PRESENT. And He’ll continue to comfort those I can’t be with physically. When I do get home, I’ll do the practical things I can to show love and comfort to those affected by the tragedy in Boone. But my prayers are just as comforting–and so are yours!
Pray, my friends! Pray when you’re tempted to worry and fret. It brings peace!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Peace Lesson #3 – Spend Time In Creation
I’ve discovered that nothing is more relaxing for me than spending time in God’s creation, appreciating the majesty of His handiwork.
It just makes sense to me that if God can create such incredible beauty in this fallen world, He’s big enough to manage whatever madness is going on in my little life.
Maybe that’s why I like the mountains. They remind me of the enormity of my God. His steadfastness. His immovability. (Is that a word?)
And I love the sound of rushing water…
“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.'” Revelation 19:6–7
Ya, that’s the sound of heaven–rushing waters. I listen, and all the other noise in my head falls silent. Selah.
How Do You Find Peace On-The-Go?
Give me some feedback in the comments below!
