From Merriam Webster:

peace

1 : a state of tranquility or quiet

2. a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom

3. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

4. harmony in personal relations

5. A state or period of mutual concord between governments

6. used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell

So many meanings for a small 5 letter word. Of course given the current state of the world, my mind immediately goes to peace between nations. I just don’t understand the hatred against our Jewish friends and how that has played out in the news every single day. My heart breaks for those who are caught up in a conflict where there is no peace.

Peace also has a personal connotation for me. Inner peace. That is that feeling that I experience when I know that God is in control and that I am His. I belong to Him and as long as I trust in Him, that peace will be a part of my life. It is that personal relationship that I hold close in my heart and continue to seek on a daily basis.

Peace can also be a peace with others. I have found myself to be in situations where I can truly be the peacemaker. It can be as simple as steering a conversation in a different more positive direction. It can be apologizing for a word said in anger or a conversation that was not well thought out. Sometimes fractures happen in families and friendships and an open and honest apology and conversation, even if it is difficult, is the thing to do to restore peace.

Are there places in your life that could use some peace? I know there are in mine and during this week I am going to focus on seeking that peace that I so desperately need. This prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi is one that I will pray this week.

*Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, only joy..”