Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Today brought a gorgeous Florida morning that could only be appreciated after several days of gloomy skies. I had to work during the Christmas holidays so took a few days off as the new year began. My youngest was off to school for the first day of a new semester, and oldest child, home from college, slept the day away. With morning chores done and quiet filling the house, I looked outside to see one of the kittens peeking into the sliding glass window. LeSabre, the silver kitty, is very affectionate. He loves to be held and follows us around the yard like a dog wanting attention. He seems to enjoy being around Lucy as well, although Sky is too rough with him and he avoids her. He can often be found peering into the windows, perhaps in hopes that we will take pity on him and make him a house cat. So, even though I was still in my pajamas, Lucy and I wandered outside to pet him and enjoy the winter sunshine. Now, winter in Florida means bare feet and a sleep shirt, so I sat on the back steps enjoying the fresh air cuddling a purring kitten in my lap with a puppy curled up at my side. LeSabre tucked his head up under my arm and rumbled his way to sleep. Lucy seemed to sense my desire for peace and for once, she was not pestering me or getting into trouble. For about thirty minutes, I soaked up the sun, listened to the bird song and admired the brilliant blue sky. I so wished that I could capture the scene on film. The contented kitty, the placid puppy and the deep contentment that I felt in those moments. I knew if I got up to get the camera the moment would be ruined, so worked to embed each image into my memory. After about thirty minutes, my back became sore from the hard wooden step and I stirred trying to return feeling into my lower extremities. At my movement, LeSabre woke up and Lucy decided it was her cue to mess with him. The two began teasing each other. She poked at his belly with her nose; he batted at her face with his paws. Soon, the peace was broken as she nipped too hard and he squalled in pain. He dashed away under the steps with Lucy in fast pursuit. Peace disappeared and chaos reigned once more. As I enter this new year, I know that there will be many moments of frustration, fear, anger and turmoil. I need to remember that the peace that Christ came to bring is not contingent upon a beautiful day with nothing to do but sit and rest. He came to give peace, not as the world thinks of peace, but a peace that can be found even in the midst of confusion, pain or even, death. Christ, alive and living in my heart. That alone is true peace.
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