“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” ~ Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

 

I have come to understand experiencing inner peace is not a function of being in the midst of peaceful circumstances.  In fact, the times when life is the most challenging are the times I am better able to recognize peace.

Two weeks ago, I woke up with a terrible headache and tears running down my face.  I had been dreaming of all the things that were on my “to do” list.  In the dream, all of my worst fears related to my list were happening.   There was no sense in trying to go back to sleep. My alarm was blaring.  I got up and started getting dressed and ready to inspect my honey bee colonies.  There was no putting it off to another day.  The rainy season had started early in South Florida.  This particular day was the only day of the week when we were expected to have no rain for days.

As Chloe and I were unloading the beekeeping tools from of the Jeep, I felt surprisingly at peace.  I took a deep breath.  As I pulled out a frame from one of the boxes, I could hear and feel the gentle buzzing vibration of the honey bees.  They were hard at work, just like me.

 

Why was I feeling at peace?  My nightmare “to do” list hadn’t changed.  In fact, time was running out on one of my deadlines.  I recognized the peace I was experiencing was a gift.  It was a reminder that I was where I was supposed to be, doing what I was supposed to be doing, in the midst of my challenges.

I am thankful for my challenges that help me recognize the gift of peace.

“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.” ~ John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

(Photo credits: Chloe Wicklas, Trinity Urban Garden and Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, Florida, May 2018.)