I know folks that seem to be bent out of shape with somebody all the time. I’ll bet that you know a few folks like that as well. I’m not sure why, but there are folks that seem to be angry, frustrated, irritated or offended by multiple somebodies every single day! And they are exhausting. The only voice that is really heard from these folks is eerily similar to the voice of Charlie Brown’s school teacher. ‘Wa-wa-wa-wa-wa.”
When I was younger, I had a terrible temper. I’m talking about the kind of temper that embarrasses everybody in your family, or team, or circle of friends. I got kicked out of Webelos for fighting too much. Good grief, I didn’t even make it to Boy Scouts!
Along the journey of this weird life, I’ve learned a hand full of things that are worth sharing. One of them is this little nugget of truth: Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be twisted out of shape – and live longer, healthier, happier lives!
I’ve determined that most of life can either drive you toward anger or peace. Here’s the great news. You get to select which outcome you will have. I get it! I know you think that it’s not that easy. Let me tell you, yes it is!
How you act and react is based solely on your attitude. Life can deliver some pretty nasty stuff as we struggle with work, family, faith, health and friends. We get to choose if we will react in peace or war. I know there are times when you have to draw a hard line in the sand, but that should be the exception, not the norm. To live every day with the intensity of a crazed dog is a prescription for bad choices and even worse relationships.
Jesus rose from the dead and joined His guys as they huddled behind closed doors in fear for their lives. What was the first thing Jesus offers the Apostles? PEACE!
Settle in your heart, today, that you will be at peace in this order:
1. Peace with God
2. Peace with Family
3. Peace with Friends
4. Peace with Co-laborers
5. Peace with Your Community
It’s your choice. As a former stressed-out, anger-filled, anxiety-riddle dude, it’s a simple fix. Meditate on peace and the only one that can give it to you each day. Peace He will give you! Peace you will have! The receipt of peace is like wisdom. When we seek wisdom from the Divine, He is faithful and just to answer and deliver. When we seek peace from the Divine, He is faithful and just to provide.
Seek Peace Today!