The Peace of God

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

For years this has been the foundation of my personal mantra, though more often than not I just repeat "Be anxious in nothing. Be anxious in nothing." 

And although it was my father's favorite promise before it was mine, sometimes he needs me to remind him.

I prefer to take the bus into New York City when I visit my best friend. When I'm a passenger, I don't care about the traffic or the directions because someone else is driving. I just trust that I will get there, and I'm able to relax.

I'm applying that principle to my whole life. I am not the driver. Someone else is, and He's going to get me there. It might take longer than I thought, and we might go in directions I didn't anticipate, but we will get there. He will take me. 

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This Weekend We // Easter

This weekend we celebrated a risen savior. The holiday reminds us that death will not have the victory, and we celebrate it just as the days grow longer and greener and warmer, just as new life blooms all around us. I need reminders more often than I would like, and sometimes I worry that my faith does not come to me as easily as it should. But yesterday as the sun shone, I remembered the sun arose, and for that, I am so eternally grateful. 

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Compassion

Today a sixteen year-old girl told me I was naive. We were discussing compassion and Atticus Finch, having one of the best discussions I have ever led in a high school classroom.

And the more I've thought about it, that sixteen year-old was probably right. I am naive. I am optimistic in the face of experience. I am hopeful. I am trusting. I believe people are basically good, even when they are profoundly screwed up.

Optimism comes at a price. My hope is sometimes met with heartbreaking disappointment.

But I know the sun will rise again tomorrow, even if I can't see it for the clouds.

And people can change.

And God is big.

And I am happier for believing in both.

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Risen Indeed

Eggs were dyed, hunted, and turned into frittatas.  

Candy was hidden, found, and eaten in scores.

And in a few short hours food will be roasted, sauteed, and devoured. 

And imbedded into each and every moment, there was joy.

A joy that comes from the soul.

A joy that we get to experience because He is risen.

My savior is risen.

He is risen indeed.

Happy Easter. 

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