Peace be with you

That “fight or flight” theory is real. I feel like I’ve been fighting and flying with fury for weeks … even my sleep is stressed – and there’s proof in the clenched fists that continue through the night … I wake with fingernail marks engraved and hands hurting from the tight fight within.

But my stunted stresses are miniscule in comparison with many of my dear friends. This week, friends say goodbye to their father and husband; friends lost their sweet mother; and friends watch their tiny boy in the hospital, fighting for his life … there’s so much pain out there.

So tonight, on this oh-so-tired night, I yearn for relaxed muscles and hearts – relaxed worries and furies. I yearn for peace.

And as my prayer reaches towards the stars in heaven, His words glimmer in my mind:
“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).

He is the giver and gift-er of peace. He leaves the gift there … waiting and wanting to be received. I must pick it up … clutch it … snuggle up to it and feel the comfort. So on this tired night, I give in to His giving. I pick up the scriptures and with an arms-wide-open, ready-and-waiting heart, I read to receive. I receive His peace … I receive Him.

May peace be with you, my dear friends. I am thinking of you and praying for you constantly.
I love you so … and so does He!