The dread was already flooding in–again.  I was going out of town and that meant: things I normally take care of at home would be left undone for the next four days and three nights, my wife would have extra responsibilities added to her (already) full plate, there were things screaming for my attention in my office that would also be left undone. Then something happened.  I became extremely frustrated.  I made a decision while sitting on that white van bound for Myrtle Beach.  I began talking to myself (in my mind, of course, because everyone else would have thought I was crazy).  I began telling myself, “You WILL stop worrying.  You will leave your family in God’s hands and NOT worry about everything that could happen while you’re gone.  You will ignore the things piling up on your desk.  You will focus on God and yourself for the next few days and be a kid again.”  Let me explain the “kid” reference.  If you will look closely in the picture above you will notice the profiles of my children.  They were taken during a beach trip at New Years.  One of my blogs titled “I’d rather lock my family in a protective bubble…” posted a few weeks ago revealed how miserable I was on that trip as (again) I was worrying about everything.  My wife bravely ventured out without me to the shoreline and snapped away as the kids played.  This particular picture has become my favorite as I could sense their joy and wonderment.  It allowed me to see the world through their eyes for this one moment in time.  It reminded me the importance of being a kid — worry free and simply living in the moment.

I’m not sure how you handle things that come in your direction but, as I’m sure you’ve figured out by now, I’m a worrier by nature. I even worry about things for other people.  I know I shouldn’t.  But I have to beat that part of my brain into submission almost every day.  In John 14:27 we find Jesus stating, “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.”  When reading I noticed two things from this scripture that I hadn’t before.  1) When Jesus left this earth He didn’t leave just any run-of-the-mill kind of peace for believers. His wording expresses possession.  He says “MY peace I give to you.”  2) He is also expressing a legacy of peace He is leaving behind. Not as this world gives… in example things such as houses, land, or possessions.  We know His is a peace that passes all understanding [Phili 4:7] But here’s the most important part.  You can’t earn it.  You’ll never be worthy of it. It’s a gift!

Closing remarks and encouragement:  The Holy Spirit is not Tinker Bell waiting in the shadows to sprinkle a little ‘magical’ peace on you when you need it.  The Holy Spirit is the consummate Comforter.  I chose God’s peace during my trip and it made a world of difference.  I returned rested and spiritually rejuvenated……and the world didn’t fall apart while I was gone.  Peace is a choice.  You can choose to receive or reject it.  Will you insult the giver by not accepting such a priceless gift?