Peace, Bro

“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

I have always heard folks say to look for the silver lining in any challenging situation.  It does seem like if we stop and think about it, there is usually something to be gained by going through a trying circumstance.  Perhaps we find a better way to do something, or perhaps we learn to be more realistic about life, or maybe we just might become a better person, one who loves more, gives a helping hand more often, or, the most important thing, some might even begin to evaluate their spiritual life or lack thereof.

I have found a few silver linings in this COVID-19 situation on a personal level with the main one being to trust the Lord more and more.  I have also met neighbors that I didn’t know before.  Folks are out riding their bicycles, walking their dogs, pushing strollers, or just working in their yards.  It used to be that when I worked out in my yard, which I do a lot, I rarely saw another person unless it was the mailman, with whom I enjoy speaking, but it is a lonely place when there are no other folks around.  I am pretty much of an introvert, but I still enjoy the company of others, discussing the weather or current events, and finding out what is going on in their world.

A young man came into the service station to get his oil changed the other day.  He came over to the coffeemaker where I was getting some coffee.  He asked how much for the coffee, and I said that it was free to those who were getting work done on their cars.  We began to talk about the coronavirus situation, and he made the remark that at least families were spending time together, which is a positive result of staying at home.  Our society has become so busy that families often times don’t even sit down together to share a meal.  With children in the family, it is a constant trip in the car to school, soccer practice, dance lessons, etc.  Now families are coming up with new ideas to entertain themselves without spending a fortune.  I know that it can get pretty crazy with the kids at home all day, day after day.  It can be a quite a task to keep them busy.  I suppose these challenging times are good for teaching us all patience.

My financial advisor called to check on me today.  She said that some of her clients were absolutely freaking out over our current health and financial circumstances.  She said she tried to calm them down as much as possible, but some folks are just wired to panic.  For me personally, I have a peace about all this because I know the Peace giver.  As far as the peace that the world offers, there has never really been a time of total peace among the nations of the world.  There has always been conflict, wars, or unrest somewhere because folks put their trust in man.  And how’s that working out?  The only One that is truly trustworthy is the Lord.  He is the only One who can bring peace in the midst of turmoil and keep fear from paralyzing our lives.