Deep Peace

12Nov

I will listen to what the Lord God is saying,

for he is speaking peace to his faithful people

and to those who turn their hearts to him.

-Psalm 85, v.8

This Psalm speaks about why I come to church on Sundays. Where else do we hear about peace and love these days, outside of perhaps our own immediate families (if we are very lucky)? I come to listen, to sing, to be fed, and to be reminded that no matter how our lives are agitated by our own thoughts, and the actions of others that are against love in the world, the church is truly the only shelter in the storm.

Our church, God’s church, speaks peace. That is rare. And it’s right here, every Sunday! If you are not fortunate enough to be in New Orleans, go to church where you are. When you are not in church, turn your heart to nature and to one another, for God is there as well. Turn your heart to God and listen. You will be glad you did.

Musical Meditation - Deep Peace - Bill Douglas

Every day

I see or hear

Something

That more or less

Kills me

With delight,

That leaves me

Like a needle

In the haystack

Of light.

It is what I was born for--

To look, to listen,

To lose myself

Inside this soft world--

To instruct myself

Over and over

In joy,

And acclamation.

Nor am I talking

About the exceptional,

The fearful, the dreadful,

The very extravagant--

But of the ordinary,

The common, the very drab,

The daily presentations.

Oh, good scholar,

I say to myself,

How can you help

But grow wise

With such teachings

As these--

The untrimmable light

Of the world,

The ocean's shine,

The prayers that are made

Out of grass?

Mindful

A poem by Mary Oliver

Peace

Posted by Jim Theis

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