Peaceful and Quiet Lives

Daisy, my horse, has taken the elections in stride. In fact, I think Daylight Savings Time was way more of an ordeal! Feeding times were off and that was a bit of a catastrophe. For Chara, our English Springer, she seemed a bit frustrated that we were glued more than usual to the TV, rather than to her.

The cool thing about our pets is they just love to be with us! They relish the simple things of life. Being with their people. Eating.(on time) Exercising. Repeat. They’re pretty chill for the most part. On a cool day, Daisy may kick her legs up as she’s getting lunged, but she’s just letting you know she feels good. They live such peaceful and quiet lives. Perhaps, that’s why we enjoy them so much.

I think most of us would cherish a peaceful and quiet life. We’d like to wish away all the hurt, pain, anger, racism, election issues, grief, COVID, and suffering around us. Many of you are struggling with issues to deep for words. For me personally, the last few months have been anything but peaceful and quiet. They've been tough. Even with the elections soon to be behind us, there will continue to be things that bring angst, fear and anxiety to our hearts. Because, well, that's life. 

In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 it says “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I think this is a call to pray for our present and future president and all those in authority. But, I also think it’s a call to how we should live: peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. The purpose of a peaceful and quiet life is not to be comfortable and happy, but so that we can grow in godliness and holiness.

I don’t know the winner of the election at the time of this writing. Whether your candidate won or loss, we need something more than our candidate to win in life. We need God. When we live in relationship with Jesus, we’re freed to live not just for ourselves, but for others. Knowing Christ brings a peace that passes ALL understanding. That kind of peace allows us to respond to a difficult person or crummy circumstance with peace. We don’t return anger for anger. We don't return hate for hate nor judgment for judgment. We don't live in fear or anxiety. We love at all times and carry the peace of Christ wherever we go. 

So, may you receive this blessing today and live in light of God's peace: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:22-26)

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.