Peaceful Choices, peace-filled Life

This morning, between the awareness that I was no longer sleeping and the startling realization I REALLY needed to pray for someone specific, there was peace. I was safe, unhurried, rested and peaceful. Following prayer and going into my devotional time, I heard: “having more doesn’t make you happy; managing well what you have makes you happy.” (from a teaching from Andy Stanley) and “Come to Me…I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11: 27-30) I am reminded that the condition of “rest” in that quotation depends on following the One Who (although He is the Son of God) said He is “humble in heart”. A big part in humility is knowing there are some things we don’t have control over: namely, People, Places and Things. As I go into this coming day with people to interact with, places to be and things to do, and realize that controlling my surroundings is impossible, I am both humbled that I can’t and encouraged that I don’t have to. My pathway to peaceful purpose and fulfilling what needs doing is found in managing my RESPONSES to people, places and things. Since my responses are in my control, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I can be content, gracious, and patient and accomplish far more today than I ever could being upset, anxious, fearful and worried. Peace leads to good decisions, turmoil leads to regretful mistakes. Today I will follow the One Who is the Prince of Peace.