Holding on to peace

I've been finding it very difficult to find a moment to write here. And, to be honest, a moment to think. And a moment to pray. And, that my friends, is probably the whole of my problem.

Between out of town guests and a husband back to a normal ObGyn Intern's schedule (I'm not supposed to "exaggerate" his hours...so I just won't mention them. Use your imagination. Then double it) and finding out my son has a huge school project to catch up on before we can truly relax into Christmas break--I've been having trouble holding on to peace.

This morning, I've decided to let God's peace hold on to me instead. Yes, the children are loud and stir crazy (torrential rains on our side of the island this morning). Yes, my husband just worked a 28 hours shift (and no, he doesn't get time for a nap) and is now trying to catch a few hours of sleep before coming home. Yes, our visitor is still here and no matter how much you love someone and enjoy their company a month is a very long time to have a house guest.

Still, right now, in this moment, I'm turning my heart to a much more important Yes. A yes from a young woman not yet married. A young girl, really, who questioned the angel before her, but didn't run away. She said, Let it be done. To me. According to your word.

And my thoughts turn toward a long and uncomfortable journey toward Bethlehem (on a DONKEY, and I used to complain when I was pregnant about a long car ride..). A young couple, obedient to God's angels and to the law of their land.

What courage it must have taken that holy couple to keep asking for a room after being turned away again and again. What faith to deliver your first child. Alone. In a stable. Far from home.

I don't know if both Joseph and Mary were able to hold on to peace through all of that. But, I do know that the peace of God must have been carrying them each step of the way. The Prince of Peace was very present with them.

Prepare a way for him, we are instructed. And, we do. But, we must remember it is our Lord. Our King. Our Savior we are expecting! We were lost, but now we are found! We were once in darkness, but He is the light! He is the Prince of peace. Peace. We do not make that peace, my friends. We simply prepare the way... And, no lonely stable, or long work week, or uncomfortable donkey ride, or cranky kids can steal us away from Our Lord's peace.

So, I'm pouring a second cup of coffee. Curling up before the place there will soon be a tree. And perhaps making the best preparations of all by simply sitting. Still.

Thank you for listening as I sort through this heart of mine.

Christ's Peace be with you. Always.

P.S. The next place I clicked was to Elizabeth Foss's most recent column. Go be inspired about how we can say Yes to our children this Advent.