Dear Family and Friends,

Are you at peace? If you are, great!

I momentarily lost my peace this week.

It all started when three ducks came sky diving into our back yard. Before you say – ooh how cute – let me remind you that large birds leave large messes, if you know what I mean.

I ran outside to chase them away. Two left immediately. The other panicked – squawking while going back and forth. All my screaming didn’t work so I started chasing him around with a broom, then a long pole…

The duck won.

As for me, I tripped, fell, sprained my wrist and broke my elbow.

Let’s face it, unexpected events can steal our peace. 

Because my already slow typing speed has been cut in half, today I’m sharing a similar story shared with the church back in 2019.

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I had a shocking experience the other day. Just as I started driving back to the office from an appointment, I discovered someone had pranked my car in the parking lot.

My side view mirrors had been turned in and were so badly twisted, I couldn’t see. I quickly fixed the mirror on my side. But every time I checked the traffic on my right, all I could see was that mirror looking back at me.

I didn’t take long – about two blocks – for that shock to turn to upset. Grrrr. Oh how I wanted to go back to that parking lot and find that, that grrr…person.

The Bible is filled with guidance on how to deal with unexpected hurt brought on by others. People who steal our peace.

While our flesh wants to retaliate, the scriptures say to“not repay anyone evil for evil.”  And “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 22 :17, 21 NIV

Allow me share the ending of my story.

As I was driving down King Street muttering to myself, I heard it. A sound that was distinct and familiar.

But the sound was not words. It was more like “ahem,” the sound we make when clearing our throats. That sound came from God asking for my attention.

He got my attention! And soon after getting it, He filled me with His peace.

Friends, we have all been hurt by others.

While it’s natural to growl at that person, can I ask that before we do, let’s stop, be quiet, and be still for a moment.

Perhaps you will hear Someone say ahem. He’s always trying – and He will remind you that you are His child.

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Now, I realize that my broken elbow and pranked car mirror stories pale in comparison to what many of you have faced or are facing today.

Life is full of hurtful encounters, illnesses, and setbacks. It’s hard to find peace in the midst of anxiety, worry or worse.

I feel for you. And so does our Lord.

Let’s remember what He said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the midst of our turmoil and struggles, He asks that we stop striving, fighting, and trying to do everything on our own. And instead, acknowledge who He is.

He is the Lord, our refuge and our strength. He is always with us, we need not fear or worry.

So with that, let’s take a step back and stop.

And with all the trust in God we can muster, be still.

I pray that peace be with each one of us.

In love always,