Monday Reflections: Working Out Peace

 “How quietly I begin again…”

— Wendell Berry, Be Still in Haste

Sometimes we understand peace as the absence of conflict. Peace is not that. Peace is being in the presence of a loved one. Peace is for our hearts not to be troubled. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM Communications.

I love catching up with old friends. There is a sense of wonder and familiarity at the same time. On the one hand, conversations come easily, as if we have always been in each other’s presence. On the other hand, there is a sense of discovery in re-entering each other’s lives.

I had an experience like this recently. My friend was sharing about his family farm. He confessed he might be too old to take care of it. His son, though, has taken an interest in it. They spent a week fixing things. They did some fence repairs and fired up the old tractor. He told me how deeply satisfied they were to have completed something so tangible.

His story reminded me a little bit of the very first story we find in the Bible. God brought things into being: light, water, stars, plants, animals and human beings. At the end of every period, it says that God saw what God had done and considered it very good. On the seventh day, the story says that God rested, admiring creation.

My friend concluded his story in a similar way. After the chores had ended, he and his son sat on a hill, overlooking some water, enjoying each other’s company, feeling fulfilled. Listening to him, I could tell that moment will stay with him for the rest of his life. It was one of those moments when it feels as if we stand outside of time and feel lasting peace.

Sometimes we understand peace as the absence of conflict. Peace is not that. Peace is being in the presence of a loved one. Peace is for our hearts not to be troubled. Peace is for us not to be afraid. This second Sunday of Advent, we are directed to know this peace. Even though we experience peace as something that comes from outside of us, it begins from within. It begins with us deciding to be fully present when in the company of a loved one. Peace begins with conquering our fears by deciding to increase our love.

So, during these holidays, may peace abound in you.

Prayer

Divine Light, you told your disciples not to fear, not to be troubled, and you would leave your peace with them. Help us see your invitation to be part of that promise. May your peace abide in us. Amen.