What it may take to have God's peace

Yesterday was interesting, intense at times and even a bit of relaxing (if I could call it that).

At the same time I hope I have learned some lessons about what God's kind of peace can involve - especially when things got pretty intense at times.

Beginning in the afternoon some rather intense claims and accusations were 'flying' from several directions around here. Beings that my husband and I are 'supposed' to be managers at the farm that seemed to put us somewhat in the middle of it all, or at least it seemed that way at the moment.

Over the years since the previous owner died and we were given management of this farm, several people have joined us here. We sort of thought it was out of the kindness of our hearts that we invited each one to come, for basically, in one way or another, we thought they really needed a place to live. We don't profess to be perfect managers (of which I am painfully aware, especially at times like yesterday).

Since others have been living here with us on this farm, we have, over the years, tried to encourage them to help us keep the place up and even improve it. There are several flower beds and various garden locations around the farm and some time back we had sort of had a 'home' meeting and different ones assumed responsibility for various places.

Well, especially this year, it seems that discontent has been brewing concerning some of the assignments of certain flower beds and garden areas and their care (or lack of it) and yesterday the pressure cooker top 'let off steam' (with it feeling like we were in the middle so to speak).

After things had calmed down I picked up a favorite spiritual author of mine and read. It was so 'on the point' that all I could say was 'Lord, you did it again.' He knows far better than we do what is going on with each person here. He also knows that we personally have lessons to learn to enable us to mature into a greater likeness to Him - be like Him.

Hopefully you aren't in a pressure cooker right now - or even in the direct line when one blows - but perhaps the following counsel that my precious lover gave to me might be something you might want to 'store' for future reference. And maybe you might be able to use it as a preventative rather than 'after the fact' as I have done this time. (all emphasis mine)

God is displeased when fellow laborers in His vineyard shut up their sympathy to themselves, esteem themselves highly, and cannot see the good purposes, the noble efforts, of their fellow laborers, but live as if they felt no pitying love or tender sympathy. I have been shown that love, tender love and consideration for our fellow mortals, needs to be cultivated, for it is very essential and is the most valuable trait of Christian character we can have. We must learn to place the best possible construction upon [the] doubtful conduct of others. We shall be very unhappy if we place ourselves in a position to question and criticize as an enemy every man who does not greet us with a smile.

If we are ever suspecting evil, we are in danger of creating what we allow ourselves to suspect. Oh, how many mistakes we make in attempting to judge the motives of our brethren! That which we condemn as grievous wrongs in them are no greater than those that exist in ourselves which we do not discern. While in connection with men of varied minds and organizations, we cannot pass along without sometimes having our feelings hurt and our temper tried, but as Christians we must be just as patient, forbearing, humble, and meek as we desire others to be. Oh, how many thousand good acts and deeds of kindness that we receive from our brethren pass from the mind like dew before the sun, while imaginary or real injury leaves an impression which it is next to impossible to efface! The very best example to give to others is to be right ourselves, and then leave ourselves, our reputation, with God, and not show too great anxiety to right every wrong impression and present our case in a favorable light. 19 Manuscript Release p.13

Well, another day is well begun. God is showing me so much about both me and others. God's peace is a gift and I am claiming that gift for me even now.

And may God's peace be with you today too.

Bringer of Peace