Peaceful Pathway

Several months ago, during my morning walk on my neighborhood trails, two deer poked their heads up from the tall grasses and watched me walk along the path. I stopped as soon as I saw them, hoping they wouldn’t run off. I watched them watching me, and we did a little visual dance of watching each other as I meandered past their “breakfast nook.”

They were silent but cautious, their ears twitching with every little noise we made. Chewing on the grasses and stepping gingerly away from me as they ate, their presence felt lovely.

My morning walks are usually uneventful even though the wildlife is plentiful. Beginning the day in nature feels like reconnecting with a heavenly atmosphere. But there was something special about this morning. The air felt a little more still, the birds were more silent than usual, and there was a peace that seemed to float about us as I walked my usual route.

While the deer watched me pass them, I felt a deep peace transcend over me. I wanted to keep that peace with me all day; I wanted to take it with me. If only that peace could be with me during the rest of the day, which I knew would be busy with work, life, family, and home.

Then I realized I could have that peace all the time.

Feeling peace at that moment reminded me this same peace is always available to me - not just in nature and not only when I pray. Peace isn’t just a feeling. Peace is there to draw from when my day becomes hectic, with new problems to solve and difficult things to do. Peace is available anytime because I choose to place my trust in God no matter my circumstances.

The key to keeping that peace is keeping my mind steadfast on Him rather than the circumstances. And that is a difficult task to undertake. So much steals my peace! From family squabbles and traffic jams to a long line at the grocery store, it all clamors for my peace.

But, when I focus on Him, on the One who made everything in my sight - including the serene deer or the slow car in front of me - I know that even if my peace evaporates, I can regain that peace by focusing my faith in Him. Choosing peace - choosing to have peace - is up to me, regardless of my current surroundings.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you (Isaiah 26: 3, NIV).

Finch Food for Thought: Obtaining peace is a matter of letting go.