Peace begins within

When I don’t know what to do, I pray.

Sometimes, a Hail Mary does the trick. Sometimes, I’m required to swim in deeper silence.

I’ve been praying a lot today. And I’ve been silent quite a bit too.

I don’t know many answers, but I know those that I require will arrive when I need them.

Some answers evade me a long while. Causing me to linger longer with the questions than any sort of resolution. And after quite a long stretch in this lack of resolution - in the in-between - I feel God calling me to peace.

Peace is not out there. Peace is in here. Hand to heart.

Peace is not at the finish line. Peace is in each and every step.

Peace is not a problem solved, a goal achieved, or a contest won.

Peace is right now. Peace is right here.

Peace is the space between the inhale and the exhale.

Peace is the pause before responding to your toddler’s big emotions.

Peace is a smile in the check-out line.

Peace is listening tenderly without offering unasked-for advice.

Peace is letting someone merge in front of you on the highway.

Peace is hugging your sweetheart a little longer than usual.

And we are each called to practice peace. Every single day. Little, ordinary peace.

And when we do, we’ll be able to show up stronger, calmer, and steadier - in the moment. In each moment. And we’ll be ready when it’s time and the clarity of exactly what to do finally arises. And we’ll be able to step forward with the courage and strength that a practice in peace can bring.

And until then, we practice. And we radiate.

Because our peace can be felt by all of those around us. So can our absence of peace.

When we choose peace - when we prioritize peace - when we return to peace again and again and again each time we get busy and forget - we share. We share peace with others. We show that peace is possible in the midst of the chaos we see and feel and cringe at. We shine through choosing simple, little, ordinary peace.

Peace begins within.

If you don’t know what to do, start by simply choosing peace. Welcoming it to arrive within you. In your own unique way. Maybe through prayer, meditation, a walk outside, a mindful cup of tea, or listening to a sweet song.

In her latest book, “Peace is a Practice,” Morgan Harper Nichols writes about the freedom to practice peace in whatever way best serves us. “Say yes to whatever helps you bloom how you were meant to.”

Say “yes” to the peace within. You can choose to welcome it at any time - on any inhale or any exhale. Or you can resist it. It is your decision - it always is.

Peace be with you, love.