A Little Peace and Quiet

Have you ever heard yourself whining, "All I want is just a little peace and quiet?"

On a practical note, many of you Moms are waiting desperately for just "a little peace and quiet" which you hope to have when your kids go back to school. Some of us are thinking we have too much peace and quiet--missing kids that have left for college or elsewhere.
When we use the phrase, "peace and quiet", we usually mean a lack of turmoil or silence in our surroundings.. But to really have "peace and quiet", is a state of mind and spirit, as well as having quiet, serene surroundings.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers , for they shall be called sons of God." -Matthew 5:9. This is from the Beatitudes, or the Be-attitudes as we say in VBS. We are blessed if we try to bring peace to our corner of the world.
As women we set the tone for our surroundings--be it at home,in the workplace, or in our churches and communities.
How "peaceful" are we?
My "peace of mind and spirit" are subject to whatever the world throws at me and can be lost in a second. Frightening news on the television, bad news of a friend or loved one, health issues, conflicts with friends and family can put me in a tailspin and rob me of any peace of mind, producing fear and anxiety instead. This is not what God intended for me and you, however. We do not have to be held captive to these thoughts of doom and despair.
Jesus promises us (as He did to His disciples), "Peace I leave you; my peace I give you: -John 14:27 and "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" -John 16:33
The only way we can have peace of mind and spirit in this life is by claiming the peace only given by the "Prince of Peace", Jesus. When I take my thoughts captive to His promises, the fear and anxiety go away. Through prayer and reading His word, we can claim His peace. I know this works because I have sensed His peace in circumstances where I would usually be a wreck!! But it is my choice---I can claim His peace and rest in His promises that He is always with me, or I can take my eyes and thoughts off Him and focus on the chaos and problems of the world and be troubled and anxious, fearful of the future. Spending time with Him in prayer and reading His word will give you peace!!
Disturbing the Peace
The Bible also tells us that we are to live in peace with our neighbors, in as much as it is up to us. So...when faced with conflict, do you strive for forgiveness and peace... or do you, like me, sometimes want to stir up trouble a bit? In our homes, at work, in our churches and wherever God calls us, there will be conflict. (Oh, boy, will there be conflict!!) Our reaction to others during these times can determine whether we are peacemakers or disturbers of the peace! One of my favorite practical proverbs is , "A soft answer turns away wrath". (anger) I've actually been able to muster up enough self control to answer softly and carefully in conflicts (maybe 2 or 3 times!) and it does work. Your volume and tone of voice in your home and in conflict can determine that of others' as well.
A little piece of Heaven--a peaceful home
Here's your big chance to be peacemaker. If you are spending time praying and reading God's word, then you can have peace of mind and spirit. You can also make your home a more peaceful place, too--a haven for your family and friends.
-Check the noise level in your home. Turn down or off the t.v., radio, etc. Nix the yelling (even our own!). A wonderful woman in our church had 7 children and the rule at their house was, "No yelling unless there's a fire". I'm in and out of classrooms at school a lot , working with students, and I'm always amazed by a teacher I call the "child whisperer". This is a 3rd grade teacher who speaks very quietly--I've never heard her raise her voice! Her room is calm and quiet, a pleasure for students and others. WE set the example, and if we control our own noise level, others will, too. (this is hard for me as I'm a bit noiser ...I envy those people with the "quiet and gentle spirit" talked about in 1 Peter 3:4)
-Identify those stressors that cause everything to fall apart and create turmoil and chaos. At our house, getting everyone out the door for work/school was havoc on many mornings. Doors would be slamming, kids yelling," Mom--I need the bathroom, where's my book, I need my uniform--didn't you wash it? I can't find my car keys/shoes/book report," etc. Breakfast would be uneaten as a late one dashed out the door, sometimes harsh words would have been exchanged. Not a peaceful away to begin the day!!
Pray about the issues causing discord/stress in your home or workplace and try to think of new routine or, habits to make peace. Checking for items needed the next day saved a lot of time and chaos for us. Look in kids' bookbags for notes of things due the next morning and homework, lay out clothes, things they need to take to school the next day before bed. Trust me, it's better to know there are no clean socks or jeans the night before rather than the next morning! I don't do mornings well, so having simple breakfast foods the kids can help themselves to also made an easier start to the day.
-Maybe it is a personal habit that is robbing your peace of mind. Pray about what you need to change about yourself, not just your home, to bring about peace. Perhaps you need to get some aspect of "your act" together--maybe finances, clutter, lack of exercise, etc. I heard Charles Stanley, a wonderful minister on the radio say, "Discipline, not Desire, Determines your Destiny." Like it or not, we can wish things were different in our lives, but until we muster up the discipline to make changes, things won't be different!
Other ways to establish a peaceful haven:
-Play soft music at mealtimes (I like to do this with praise tapes or hymns on Sunday mornings when we usually have a special breakfast) and at other times. Make family meals times a tech-free zone--no t.v., computers, cell phones, etc. This is the time for you all to reconnect and enjoy one another. (For the sake of peace, save any issues and scoldings for after meals!)
-Keep working on decluttering so that your home is more peaceful because : You can find things you need and your surroundings are more serene. I'm cleaning closets again!! (The dust has settled after my son went back to KSU and my daughter back to Physical Therapy Schhol at KU Med, and I'm adjusting to more peace and quiet than I'd like, so I need a project!)
-Surround yourself with beautiful things that remind you of God's creation and care--Bible verse plaques, flowers or plants, shells, pictures, and candles.
-Bring in seasonal objects to enjoy--apples, sunflowers, nuts, leaves, and pumpkins.
-Get outside and enjoy the peace of nature. I'm taking my Bible, and coffee out on the porch these mornings and Clem dog and I enjoy the peace and quiet. Walking or even sitting in a quiet spot can give you peaceful moments with God, too.
_Check your tone and volume of voice, your words and thoughts--be peace filled.

Make peace with God, with yourself and with others.
Imagine yourself like a fireman with one of those flame extinguishers, only yours says "God's peace" on it. You are ready to put out the "flames" of confusion, noise, turmoil, fear, guilt, and any other peace robbers by a spray shot of God;s peace! Blessed are the peacemakers... we need more of them!!

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:5-8

Enjoy the coming Fall season and work on being a peacemaker. "And the Lord of peace be with you" -Phil 4:9