We didn’t know there was a water “storm” in our attic!
We have been dealing with water damage in our home for the past two weeks. It came at an inconvenient time – Christmas decorations and entertaining set aside. Our living room, master bedroom, and hall bath are inaccessible. The rebuild is yet to be determined.
This storm in our house has reminded me of a couple of things …
We are so blessed to have this house. I remember the events that led to our moving from TN to TX, the extra effort to locate a just-right house, and the move. I’m also reminded that many do not have homes or have much more challenging circumstances than we do.
Peace is not about outward circumstances at all. Instead, peace is the confidence or sense of well-being deep inside, even when outward circumstances are not ideal.
Madeleine L’Engle writes about this peace in her poetry —
Peace is the centre of the atom, the core
Of quiet within the storm. It is not
A cessation, a nothingness; more
The lightning in reverse is what
Reveals the light. It is the law that binds
The atom’s structure, ordering the dance
Of proton and electron, and that finds
Within the midst of flame and wind, the glance
In the still eye of the vast hurricane.
Peace is not placidity; peace is
The power to endure the megatron of pain
With joy, the silent thunder of release,
The ordering of Love. Peace is the atom’s start,
The primal image. God within the heart.
~Madeleine L’Engle
But it doesn’t take a calamity in the house to remind us that peace is elusive during this season … many of us experience frustration, anxiety, even pain in this season …
Treacherous Roads
Crowded lots with cars awry,
Empty shelves beneath the sky.
One more gift to seek and find,
Baking, wrapping, all combined.
Tangled cords with lights that fail,
A festive spirit turning pale.
And the carolers softly sing:
“Silent night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright.”
Squabbling voices fill the air,
Guests arriving, joys to share.
Too many invites, hearts at stake,
Expectations clash, and tensions wake.
Anxiety swirls, a heavy weight—
Yet the choir lifts their voices high:
“Peace on earth, goodwill to men—
Prayer
Father,
May we yield ourselves to You today,
delighting in Your will, and
allowing Your love to guide our day.
May we submit today –
Our longings and ambitions
The work of our hands
Our perceptions of a perfect holiday.
May we trust You today –
Trust You with the significant issues
The little details
And all that falls between.
May we let go today –
Of pride and fears –
Of concern for appearances
And the need for control.
May Your Kingdom come
On earth, as it is in heaven,
May You reign supreme –
In our home, our plans, our heart!
Amen.
