Finding Peace
Karen Ann Smith of Ludington, MI, USA
Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9
I dreamed I was walking through deep snow. Maybe the snow represented my concerns. Maybe it was because my brother in Colorado has gotten snow these last couple of days, but it doesn’t matter. In my dream I came upon a young mother taking her kids to school. I told her there is no school until further notice. Young families, teachers, para-pros, and everyone whose lives have been disrupted by COVID-19 are on my mind and in my heart.
It’s a very scary, very stressful time in which we are living, but I think of what Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
I look to the helpers, those who are still working in the frontlines of this pandemic, who are still providing essential needs. I look to those who check on shut-ins, who mail postcards and notes, who make checking-on-you phone calls. A musician I know is doing love podcasts and lifting fallen spirits in that way.
God is still in the heart of the people. Look to the helpers and you will see. Be a helper in your own unique way, and you will find 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).
Prayer Phrase
God bless the spaces between us.
Spiritual Practice
Tears of Compassion
Offer a silent prayer for the gift of God’s compassion. Cup your hands and ask God to make you aware of the suffering that causes the Earth and its inhabitants to groan and weep. Be open to faces or places, sounds or voices, feelings of connection with those who suffer. Imagine catching the tears of those you see and holding them in your hands. Listen for prayer images or words God may give you. Discern any active responses of ministry or healing you sense invited to complete for those who weep.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
