Our house was a bit crazy the past couple of weeks. Actually, stressful is a better word to describe it. Everyone was in an eternal irritable state – even the dogs. The kids were fighting, Mark and I were barking and the dogs – well they seemed irked over the lack of a walk and went in the backyard and chewed up part of the playset! (Oh yeah, mama wasn’t happy!)
I made numerous attempts to end it – I put the kids to bed earlier, slipped the dogs some extra treats and made heartier meals to keep Mark from being hungry – but the irritation continued. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Why were we all lacking peace?
One day, my 8-year-old daughter and I were in the car when she snapped at me about something I did that bothered her (I think yawned – it was pretty annoying.) I was seconds from reverting to my elementary days and saying something sarcastically about her mother (when I realized I’d be talking about myself!) when God whispered something to me, Talk to her about the way she’s feeling.
Hmm…hadn’t thought of doing that! We talked about it briefly but didn’t reach a conclusion. Then out of the blue she asked me, “Can we go on a date together soon?” Ahhh…that was it – it had been a while since we had spent any one-on-one time together.
The next night she and I went out to dinner and had a wonderful time. We sat on the same side of the booth and she cuddled into me like a little girl. We played the games on the children’s menu and talked about school. It was a simple night but I had my sweet girl back. Yesterday Mark took Noah night skiing and I took the dogs for a long walk. This morning, life felt good again. It was peaceful.
As I sat thinking about it this morning, I realized it is the same with God. When I neglect having one-on-one time with him – the peace in my heart flees. Having time to quiet my heart, focus and be with God not only fills me with peace – it energizes me and enables me to handle better the stress of the day. It is in these moments that his Spirit guides and restores me. It allows me love on Him and Him on me. It is then I find the peace that transform all understanding.
What do you do when you feel a lack of peace with God?
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