I didn’t set out to play the One Word game this year. I wasn’t interested in choosing a word for my 2018 focus. But, the word rather found me. During the first few days of January, I caught myself fretting.

“Did the grandkids like what we got them for Christmas? And what about our retirement plan?! Should we reinvest or pick up second jobs? Did I file that last insurance claim before I left work? At what stage of the next book release should I redesign my website? And will that roast in the fridge still be good by Friday?”

Please note, Dear Reader, that these questions all carry equal weight in my mind. Right along with a zillion other things that matter either greatly or not a whit.One day, while I was caught in this cycle, I heard the word, “Peace” in my mind, and I knew I needed to find it.

I also knew I wouldn’t get there by striving. The striving is part of my problem. I knew peace would come when I let it. So, I made some pacts with myself. Maybe they will help you, too.

  1. Stay in the moment. If I’m peeling carrots for supper, I need to peel carrots. I don’t have to think about tomorrow’s tasks. This is the job of the moment, and I can relax into it. I can appreciate the Rose Hill Cottage knobs on my cabinets. I can glance out the window at the sunset over the roofs. I can enjoy the silence.
  2. Think on what is good. The Bible has a scripture about that. About thinking on what is good and pure and lovely. I know that means Jesus, but in the middle of my work day, I sometimes have trouble finding Him. That is when I sing (at least in my head). I’m currently fond of this old hymn, “Peace, peace, wonderful peace. Coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, In fathomless billows of love.”
  3. Connect with what matters. My husband and I love the quote from Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing where the hero tells the heroine to, “Serve God, love me, and mend.” I quote that to myself sometimes. Along with countless other nuggets from movies, books, songs, poems, and Scripture. Those touchstones remind me of specific moments or specific promises that settle my turmoil.
  4. Revel in what works. No matter what has gone on through the day, the moment I walk into our house after work, peace wraps its arms around me. This never fails. If I dash home mid-day to pick up something I forgot, the same peace meets me. Sometimes I actually say out loud, “Hello, Home. It’s good to see you.” Because the peace is so tangible it feels like a Person. Which, of course, it is. God promised that He, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit would come to make their home with us. I know that means in my heart, but I feel them present when I walk into our house. I’m not sure why I’ve been given this gift, but I treasure it. I count on it. I revel in it.

So, I pray for peace. I focus on peace. And I wait for peace to find us all in this shining new year of 2018. Because, “My peace I give to you …,” He said.