Striving to find peace

By Ellen Shuck

Strive for peace -- whatever the circumstance.

"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," says the Bible scripture John 14:27. Christians can rely firmly on this affirmation. Most believe in a higher power, their God, who also promises a like reward.

Peace is a goal for everyone, although many do not realize what they're looking for or how to describe their restlessness. Instead, the end for which they strive is fleeting -- another party, another drink or another mode of excitement to crush the undesirable reality in their lives.

What do you do when you're feeling stressed and restless? Life is filled with unplanned events, illnesses and deaths, just as it is open to happiness and excitement. You have to overcome them, survive them, more than likely accept them and make the best of an undesirable condition.

Recently, while I watched people going in and out the doors of a local hospital, I was forced to ponder the scene before me.

As I walked across the parking lot, I became aware of a phenomenon I was just now recognizing. As I noticed the people around, parking their cars, talking and laughing, I observed others who appeared sad and upset.

The view was eye-opening, and the insight was even more staggering. I realized love truly has no boundaries.

The people were there at the hospital visiting parents, children and other relatives. They also were trying to bring cheer and love to friends and neighbors and acquaintances.

They were good people.

The portrait contained true visions of all kinds of individuals. There were no class distinctions in those who were there at the hospital to lift someone up -- someone who may be depressed or needing another who showed caring.

Some were stylishly dressed; others were casual or ill-kept, but all were there on the same mission. The mission to add a bit of happiness and aid to someone who needed it was common ground.

I meditated on what the lives of the visitors may be like. What effort did they have to exert so they could help those needing their company? Did they leave work early? Did they use their lunch hour or drive long distances, all in the name of love? Yes, I think they possibly did.

The Bible scripture, "And the king will say, 'Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:40), places the right perspective on what you do.

When someone gives a drink of water to someone who's thirsty, it elevates the act to one of greatness.

You don't even notice the importance of such a seemingly mundane and simple gesture. Anyone can do it.

What a privilege to be able to minister to Jesus each time you help someone else.

If you're searching for peace, doing things that have no value, look again. Instead, go to a place you can be alone and search out your higher power. Your God will be there waiting for you and ready to offer you calm, peace and a sense of direction. Sometimes it's a struggle to find the time, the place and the opportunity to seek out time alone.

You are pulled in all directions by what you think you have to do and places you need to be. If you find your peace first, you'll find you're better able to perform what you think is absolutely necessary that you do. Peace lowers your blood pressure, slows your heart and lifts your mood, according to most medical personal. It's well worth pursuing.

Even though striving to find peace can be an effort, the struggle to find the time and place is worth far more than material wealth or personal recognition. Remember to look in the right place to find it -- within you and your God.