Have you ever searched for something you wanted, and found it came unexpectedly? We'd set up our tiny camping trailer at the edge of the forest. A pristine, dark blue lake lay just a stone's throw from our front door. "May'be you'll find what you're looking for," my husband said, patting my hand. I sucked in a breath of cool air. "I hope so," I replied. But doubt and worry entered. Such intruders--they ruin everything. My life was not catastrophic. But mole-hill worries about work, finances, raising children, and aging parents grated at me daily. I wasn't going to find peace this way. That night after my husband and our daughters fell asleep, I lay awake in the darkness for a long time. Same old worries for this insomniac. Where are you, God? I've been praying... I finally slept, but awoke at 2:30a.m. With no bathroom in the trailer, I would have to go outside. In the dark. In the forest. Scary. I pulled the covers back over my head. What might be lurking out there? Gathering courage, I grabbed a flashlight, and slid on tennis shoes without laces. I took in a deep breath, turned the latch on the door, and stepped outside. I couldn't believe my eyes. This was unexpected. No flashlight needed. The forest floor and the entire length of the lake was flooded with bright light. I'd never seen such a huge yellow-orange moon lay so low on the horizon, that its edges appeared to rest upon the tree tops and mountain ridges. I stood in awe of the beauty surrounding me. Then words came to my heart: "See My Peace." God had spread a blanket of peace over His creation--and that included me. Every worry I'd had seemed to suddenly dissipate into the air; this peace was too powerful for such things. This was a powerful, beautiful, all-encompassing kind of peace, soaked in God's light and in His love. I wanted to bask in it forever. Sometimes we need reminders that God is with us. For me, this was one of those times. I had prayed for peace--and God answered. Worries can be mole-hills--or mountains--but whatever the trouble, seek God. And see His peace! "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Jesus Christ." - Phillippians 4:7
2 Comments
Tippy
9/8/2016 07:15:00 am
Thank you for sharing this. I am right there with you as you describe your experience. You write so beautifully!
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Nancy Johnson
9/8/2016 09:43:17 pm
Thank you, Tippy! It was an experience that will always remain in my heart, and I knew it was something that needed to be shared!
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