Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

In my house I have always tried to be the keeper of the peace – sometimes even at my own sacrifice. We can all pray without ceasing, bend and stretch and acquiesce, give in, go along to get along and on and on and on… But peace truly works best when it’s like a swinging door – a give and take on both sides. Have you ever tried to communicate with someone who just refuses to communicate? Frustrating huh? Not only frustrating, but it can totally disrupt the peace for everyone. Or have you had to deal with someone who is totally contrary to all things peaceful? Whew! That can drag the last bit of joy out of the room!

However, despite resistance from the mightiest adversary an answer always comes even if I have to wait a while. Galatians 6: 1-2 says: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
We are not perfect beings and the temptation to just cuss sometimes comes over me like a wave at an Atlanta Falcom’s baseball game. But I try to catch myself more often then not.

In a recent Bible study that I attended we were urged to apply the “SMP Principle” to get us through all of our problems — simply – Study, Meditate and Pray . Most of the time we just worry or become immobile. But just the exercise of looking for the answer helps to start an inner change. We must sometimes first change ourselves rather than waiting for a change in others.

Life moves on — sometimes in peace and sometimes not. I will do all I can even if others fail to meet me halfway; but when I close my eyes at night I can trust that within me there WILL be peace.

The TurtleQueen Speaks…