Enjoy the Peace
That peace you hear? That’s the sound of your life working. ~Susan Elliott
Years ago, I read this pair of lines by blogger Susan Elliott that knocked me sideways. I paused to consider a new idea.
Did I need chaos, activity, crisis, a problem to solve to feel productive or alive?
What did I experience in moments of peace? Did I welcome the calm as a sign of health or as the eerie stillness before the next storm?
Did I see struggle as a sign of learning?
Did I see ease as a shortcut, cheating, evidence of not trying or too beginner—not challenging enough?
I noticed that with an active household and a challenging marriage, sometimes when the stars aligned and we had a moment of serenity, I’d feel agitated. It’s like I’d be on the hunt for something to fix or a problem to solve or a new challenge to tackle. Instantly struggle returned and I’d be back to striving rather than enjoying.
I took this watchword, then, and said it to myself on the mornings when the kids were happily busy. Why wreck it by pulling out the math books? Enjoy the peace! My life was working!
I said it to myself when I had a blank date on the calendar. I could leave it empty. I could relish the peace.
I said it to myself when there were extra dollars at the end of a month. I could leave them there and enjoy simple abundance, rather than rushing to spend them yet again.
I said it to myself when I successfully took time away from home and no one missed me. I could realize I’d done a good job of preparing them for successful living without dependency.
You try! What signs of peace could you relish rather than rushing to fill the quiet calm with activity and stress?
This post is originally from Instagram and @juliebravewriter is my account there so come follow along for more conversations like this one!
