Peace Is Practiced
“Peace is not found-it’s practiced.”- C.L. Harmon
Peace isn’t found-it’s practiced.”- C.L. Harmon.
Such a simple but compelling statement; one that implies both choice and action. Peace is not a one-time deal, but a matter of ongoing intention. The idea- and reality-of moving through the world with a heart at rest is both simple and elusive.
Like you, I want to live and love others from a place of relative (albeit imperfect) peace. To do so, I’ve needed to do the deep work and ask myself some hard questions, the chief being:
Who/what truly is my source of peace? People? Circumstances? Certain expectations or accomplishments? At some point in my life, I have trusted in all of the above to calm my soul. And yes, I was left disappointed. So, after I stopped chasing smaller stories, I was left with this realization:
In my life, peace (like faith) is only as sturdy as that of it’s object. Abiding peace is not that of circumstance; it is found in a person- the person of Christ.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”- John 14:27 NIV
If you have grown up in a faith tradition; this is nothing new. The internal shift, though, from what you have learned to that which now sits deep in your bones, takes time- and work. Digging through emotional and spiritual dirt isn’t always fun, but it is fruitful. Here are a few truths that have helped me along the way.
Peace is not found in the past.
Looking in the rear view mirror is helpful if we allow past mistakes to teach us tough (and valuable) lessons. Once our failings have instructed us, it’s time to let them go.
In saying goodbye to memories of mistakes that no longer serve us, we create new space in our soul for healing and peace. The alternative is living life tethered to old hurts, lies, or relationships that drown in waves of regret and navel-gazing. We have all been there- and it never ends well.
In letting go of what was, we live life in forward motion, redeeming and reclaiming our life today.
Peace is not found in the future.
We can (and should) make plans, but we can’t control all of the things. Trying to keep a chokehold on people or circumstances only leads to a spiraling anxiety that steals joy from the present moment.
Peace is practiced in the present.
“Abide in me, and I in you” John 15:4
To abide in Christ is is to remain- to stay with him. Therefore, we DO peace in the present. This is a daily, present tense pursuit. Anchored to the here and now, you and I choose to stay in the presence of Christ- and live in peace despite the chaos surrounding us.
The gift of Christ’s peace is an immutable promise. The daily journey to claim and remain in this peace will look different for each us. So, what are some non-negotiables of a peace that is not merely found- but practiced?
Here are a few tips and habits I hope you find helpful:
-Commit to a daily block of quiet time to unplug and declutter your mind.
- Daily movement to refresh your body, recalibrate your mind, and pull you into the present moment.
-Prioritize outside time. Even few moments each day grounds you in the beauty of God’s creation and renews perspective.
-Scripture reading and study to reorient your soul and mind to the truth of God’s love and unchanging character in an unstable world.
-Cultivate soothing hobbies designed to renew your creativity and joy.
-Prioritize connection with life-giving friends and family.
- Protect your peace by saying no to situations/people who steal it. Guard your heart and time from those who have proven themselves to be poor stewards of either.
-Take control of your physical environment and cultivate a space of beauty in which to cultivate these practices.
Like you, I am working this out in real time. It is a vibrant and messy process that requires practice. We don’t need to show up perfectly, but we can aim to grow in consistency. And if we fall off the peace wagon? Let us reclaim the peace that is ours in Christ, and begin. Again.
How about you? How will you actively plan for peace today?
