"Peace I leave with you..."

About the last word I would use to describe the first day of school is peaceful but that's exactly what I have chosen to address in this, my first blog of the official beginning of school. Here's a peek into what went on that first day...

There were teachers going over last minute preparations one more time; parents turning in forms, checks, orders, and medication to the office; children bounding ahead of parents as they headed to their classrooms; children experiencing new class anxiety clinging to their parents; old friends greeting old friends and new friends meeting soon-to-be old friends; cameras flashing; a few teary faces, some from students but most from parents.

Surprisingly though, after experiencing this organized chaos for about 30 minutes, there was a hush that settled over the building as parents made their way back to the parking lot and teachers began to establish routines. As I stepped in to each class to make sure all was well, there was definitely a peace that came over me. Everyone was in their places, things were running smoothly, and children were busily accomplishing whatever task they had been given. This was right, this was good, this was school. And all was well with my soul.

The word peace is mentioned 247 times in the Bible which makes me think that God knew that obtaining this sometimes elusive state of being would be difficult for us humans to accomplish. Verse after verse tells us how important it is for us to seek a peaceful lifestyle. One that I ran across during a recent Bible study is Hebrews 12:14: "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."  In these few words, we are called to pursue peace, not just sit around and wait for it to happen. And if we don't, we will not see the Lord. Ouch!

So how do we pursue peace? Matthew Henry says that "pride and passion break the peace. Humility and meekness restore peace." He goes on to state that "the bond of peace is the strength of society." Pretty strong words, huh? But think about it...what causes most conflicts in the world and in our lives? Lack of peaceful relationships. What can restore peace? Someone practicing humility and meekness no matter the wrong or injustice. Let's face it, as Christians we are called to be different from everyone else in the world. Jesus himself said it in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."


Here's my resolution then for this school year; to pursue peace by practicing humility and meekness in my thoughts and my actions. I give you permission to hold me accountable. Won't you join me?