Gift of Peace

The ability to keep peace within us is indeed a gift. We can cultivate the art of keeping peace in our hearts despite problems or challenges we encounter, despite others’ words or actions. And God wants us to have a peaceful heart.

One path to peace is remembering the difference between things we can and can’t control. When we take appropriate actions in a given circumstance and let go of trying to predict or control their outcome, then we will have mastered a major challenge to maintaining a peaceful way of life. Another path to peace is not to blame people or events for our negative feelings and attitudes, but instead be willing to look at what we may have contributed to creating our own discomfort.

We don’t have to be saints to create peace in our hearts. At any time during the day, we can step back from conflict within us or around us and breathe slowly. We will be surprised at the calm that soon re enters our thoughts and view of the world. Our serenity helps others find the reservoir of peace in their hearts.

Thank you, Lord, for Your peace on earth and let it begin with my peaceful heart.