Peace

There is a lot to be said for peace. How much of your life do you spend in turmoil? Both inside and out, how much of your life is consumed by unresolved conflict? The truth is most people live too much of their life disturbed by something, or somebody. So, what difference does it make? I think the question is more important than most of us would like to admit. Life disturbance is responsible for many, if not most, of our most frustrating life challenges and many, if not most, of our sleepless nights.

One of the most significant challenges facing our culture today is sleep deprivation. What is happening? I believe the problem revolves around a lack of peace. Conflict unresolved within and conflict unresolved without creates cognitive dissonance that has a life of its own. And, much of the time, it lives in our minds in the middle of the night. How many times have you gone to bed thinking about something unresolved at home or at work? How many times does that unresolved something influence the quality of your sleep? I rest my case.

Relationships in life have never been more challenged. Marriages are at risk almost from the moment they are created. How do people connect? How do they communicate? I am talking about distinctively different, self-centered people creating peace in the living together process. And then, there is the everyday challenge for those who aren't in a relationship to find one, or to decide not to find one. Tension.

Families are a breeding place for tension. There is nothing in the world like having a wonderful family. The truth is, however, the larger the family becomes the more tension will be found, no matter what they say. The reason I know is because I live in one. We love each other and I can't imagine what it would be like to live without any member of my family. With that said, between marriage, children, grandchildren, sons in law, in laws, aging parents, brothers, their families, dogs, dogs, church, friends, work, there is always something brewing. The question is, in the midst of it all, how can peace be found?

The answer is simple yet profound. The answer is love. Not some sloppy, Hollywood misrepresentation of love. I am talking about the kind of commitment to life and to relationships that will not let them go. I am talking about an energy that will take the most challenging life reality and create through it even deeper meaning. I am talking about an approach to life that is disciplined and secure enough not to "let the sun go down on your anger". I am talking about a life conviction and discipline committed to the respect and recognition of others.

I believe peace is the answer. I also believe it is an out of this world answer. I believe love divine is an expression of commitment that will let more things go with out saying than saying them. I believe it will "turn the other cheek" because you know the result will be a peace that is not found in this world. It simply is not natural to turn the other cheek. You do it because of what you believe. You do it because of what you know. Do well, my friends. And, peace in the process.