Finding Peace Amid Crisis

Telling ourselves the truth certainly is a good step in the right direction. But what do we do when we've played all those mind tricks on ourselves and still we can't sleep at night?

I find peace in this world by first recognizing the limitations of what it offers me. Can it really bring me lasting happiness? Can I really find joy and inner peace if I just look hard enough? The world as we know it today certainly has many things to offer us . . .beauty, excitement, mystery, relationships. But all of those things will fail at one time or another. And there is a measure of joy and peace in those things. But does it last? Can I always count on it?

Second, I turn my thoughts to the Creator who surely must've wanted us here on earth to experience peace regardless of what's happening around us. That doesn't mean the Creator says we should be oblivious to what goes on, it just means we shouldn't be sucked in by it. And, when we can't help it, we remember who made it all. It's not really a religious thing as much as a world view that there is a God, it isn't me, and being ok with that. Someone is in control...it's just not us.

Third, I practice simplicity in my life. It's very easy to get off track with leading a simple existence, but the rewards when we keep it simple are grand!

Cheryl of MN 6:04PM October 02, 2008