Peace

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). This foundational verse throughout my life first inspired me when as a needy 17 year old I knelt beside my bed in the upstairs room of an old farmhouse.

This morning, over 45 years later, from the porch of my parents’ home, I see the hospital where I was employed, the place where I became friends with the world, only to find worldly friendships didn’t fill the inner longing. Then God gave me His Word: “peace not as the world gives, but the peace I give,” a peace that flooded and filled me to overflowing. You’ve known this peace.

Life’s given blessings innumerable since that time. However, anyone who’s reached my age also knows hard things. The Word this morning says that no matter the difficulty, I can have “peace like a river” (Isaiah 48:18).

Hugh brush piles line the streets of Halstead, telling of storm damage. Still the birds sing. The sun rises. Lush green beautifies this small town, and there is peace!

Lord willing, we fly home tomorrow. We’ll treasure the memories of Colorado with the cousins, of Pikes Peak at sunrise, of hiking Rainbow Gulch, of quiet times with our parents and noisy times with the great nieces and nephews, of worship services, good food, and fellowship. And now, a small peaceful apartment in the midst of city chaos calls us home.

The plane tomorrow lands at JFK, not LGA where we took off from. I think I have it right this time. 😏

God bless you with His peace today and always. Berniece