I know that trouble and turmoil are as much a part of living as breathing and eating are. But still they cause a thorny discomfort that I would sooner get rid off and be on my way. Sometimes, the pain and the ache are due to something external to me and I either remedy or walk away from the situation or occasion. At other times, they just come as an unbidden wave welling within me and refuse to go away; then I just steel myself and wait for the wave to wash over.
There are joyful moments too. It can be momentous event like my graduation from ILM to morrow evening. Or, it can be something as simple as Jane walking into our room in the morning to give us morning kisses. Where sad moments tend to linger and tarry and even sometimes fester, happy moments are often gone sooner than I would want them to be over.
When I think of my life, I would remember both the good times and the bad times. And as I am pondering over these thoughts, two words keep on popping up in my mind: simplify and purify. Simplify – cut down on my needs, throw away all the garbage, make do with less, stop wanting to save the world. Purify – get out all the dirt inside, clean up my motives, chuck all hidden agenda, mean what say and say what I mean. Simple and pure – just like water. And then pray that Peace washes over me, within me and around me.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
John 14:27-31