(peace in the midst of chaos)
What is peace?
How do I feel ‘at peace’?
Is peace going to be with me always?
This week began with an intense bout of homesickness. My grandma was taken to the hospital Friday night and stayed till Thursday. She lives right beside our house and has become very dear to our family. To be so far away and to realize there’s a strong possibility I might not see her on this earth again made my heart heavy. My Cambodian family stepped in and took care of me so well – we prayed and cried together and reminded each other that God has got this under control and He gives peace and strength for the journey.
In the last few days, I’ve had a few slices of time in which I consciously stopped myself and thought, ‘This is a moment of peace.’
… rooftop mornings enjoying the cooler morning air, reading God’s Word, drinking coffee, occasionally overhearing music thumping from the neighbor’s house.
… on our way to church on the back of our mini-truck, hair flying (making quite a tangle!), eyes closed, listening to the roar of rushing wind.
… working in the kitchen, frying up some delicacy or another (frying myself a bit too probably), but so enjoying the moment of laughter with my nine-year-old sidekick, Jen.
… washing dishes at supper time – my window faces north so I can’t see the actual sunset, BUT I can see the reflection on the open window – the colorful clouds that are God’s masterpiece every evening.
…sitting on the small platform ‘benches’ at church among other believers, sweating a little (wait, make that a lot!), listening to a grandpa – Uncle Chun – strumming on his guitar/violin thing, making some beautiful music.
… watching a blonde curly-haired mini-girl rushing towards me as fast as her little legs can move, arms outstretched, yelling ‘I yike you, Chawity! Can you hold me?!? Puleeeeese!’
… opening my eyes at 5:30 every morning and then closing them for a bit again just to enjoy the quiet of an early morning.
… listening to a few friends singing a Khmer song with all their hearts; I didn’t need to understand those words to join in worship!
Are these things peace? Yes!
How do I feel ‘at peace’? It is not the SILENCE itself, but the moment hidden in that chaotic noise where you feel that gentle QUIET.
Is peace always going to be with me? Peace itself? Maybe I won’t feel peaceful always, but God Himself WILL always be with me. ALWAYS!
‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory is abiding.]’ (John 16:33 – AMP)
‘… You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.’ (Matthew 28: 20b – ERV)
‘I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.’ (John 14:27 – NLT)
My coffee, my Bible, my small alone time with God!
Our small village church I love to attend.
Alysha… She does everything with 110% of herself!
