Peace – Bits & Pieces of Advent

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT)

The morning was filled with peace as I stood on the pier waiting for the sun to rise over the waters off Navarre Beach, Florida.

The quiet aspects of the day were only broken by the sounds of an angler’s cart rattling along the pier’s boardwalk, or the cry of a bird hoping to get an early morning treat.

As I stood looking over the railing into the murky water, one of the older fishermen remarked “wait until the sun comes up, you’ll be able to see to the bottom.”

He was right. As the sun rose – like the big bright ball of light it is – the waters below the pier took on a translucent feel. Where darkness was, just moments before, the tranquil waters emerged.

Not only could I see to the bottom, I could also see life waking up among the water – everything from sea turtles to crabs – preparing for their day.

I found it quite peaceful to lean against the rail and watch as the sun appeared, at first gradually peeking above the waves, then rising far above the horizon.

There’s something natural and peaceful found in waking up and going to bed with the sun. Somehow it was easier to get up, grab a cup of tea and book, and find my way to the cabin’s screened in porch.

Maybe it’s the warmer weather – ok, I still needed a blanket and long-sleeves – or maybe it’s the rhythm one finds while on vacation. Rather than being plugged into the world, I found myself drawing strength from having a routine – get up with the sun, go to bed with the sun.

I’ve been reading a lot recently about the peace found in rhythms of life. Fred Rogers, known by most as Mister Rogers, was a man who incorporated rhythms of peace and contemplation into his everyday life.

In “The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers” author Amy Hollingsworth outlines the precision like qualities which marked Rogers’ morning routines – a time of prayer and study, along with a time of exercise – doing laps in a nearby pool.

One could say the time Rogers’ invested in himself – call it self-care if you must – allowed him to pour his form of grace and compassion out into the world.

In this crazy, lopsided world, filled with a plethora of never-ending stimuli is Rogers’ embrace of pauses helped promote an atmosphere of peace to those who found themselves drawn into his sphere of influence.

The mornings on the beach reminded me peace is more than the absence of conflict or pressure, but rather an inner state I strive to have within my life.

It’s a gift, given to me from God and waiting for me to receive it. Quietly, patiently waiting for me to embrace all that it means. It’s a gift God knows takes time for me to receive, because it’s easier to stay mired in the muck of the world, the clutter of our lives.

It’s a gift that means more than the latest gizmo, gadget or even Facebook post. It’s a way of life, and while requiring some intentional deliberate actions; it becomes something that not only impacts my world, but those in my path.

What does peace look like in your world? What gift – with your name on it – is waiting for you to unwrap? How will you embrace peace today?

Faith Actions

1) Read. Why not take time to read and reflect on the verse from 2 Thessalonians 3:16 in a variety of translations or paraphrases. I’ve included a couple below. What stands out to you as you read the verses? What makes you go “hmm…”? What questions do you have after reading the verses?

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (KJV)

“May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (MSG)

2) Draw. What does peace look like in your world? Why not doodle a “top 10” list of items – be it a cup of tea, a chance to intercede on behalf of others, or diving into a new novel – what strengthens your inner peace today?

3) Listen: Need a song of peace for your life’s soundtrack? Check out Hillsong’s “Prince of Peace” here – http://bit.ly/HillsongPeace.

4) Act. During his lifetime, Mister Rogers would often encourage people – especially children – to push pause on the world’s noise. In one instance he asked a room of people to pause for one moment, push aside the noise and instead think about the people who loved them. Today, why don’t you put your electronic device down and take a moment or two to think about what you have to be grateful for during this Advent season.

5) Unplug. Take Mister Rogers’ moment further. Why not take a tech sabbath one day each week. Use the day to connect with family and nearby friends. Go for a walk, read a book, catch a movie. The goal is to unplug and experience peace sans smartphone, computer or tablet.

Want to share about this devotion? Check out the Facebook group at: http://bit.ly/mybitsandpieces

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Find Devo 2 Here: http://bit.ly/HopeAdvent2019