Peace from within

Philippians 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

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I've been reading and studying the bible for most of my life. It was only recently that this verse truly struck me and became abundantly powerful. For after all, worry can steal our joy. And amidst chaos and confusion, I will choice to rejoice in the abundance of joys surrounding me, and recognize the peace that is beginning to flourish from within.

* The joy of watching my daughter learn how to use the restroom. At her pace. Exceeding my expectations along the way.

* The peace of trusting in God, knowing that His plan is better than my own. Even when it doesn't make sense to me.

* The joy of friends and family who are supporting and encouraging us.

* The peace of knowing what happiness feels like, and cherishing each moment of uninhibited laughter as it comes.

* The joy of sharing my passions with my daughter, and watching her discover her own passions in life.

* The peace of finding the right scripture, at the right time.

* The joy of playing hide and seek with a 2-year old, especially when I know that she will hide in the same spot every time. And the laughter she tries to conceal as she watches me "look" for her.

And so, on this late Monday night, I will wrap up. For I know I cannot document all of the joys I am currently learning. Or the peace that I am experiencing amidst confusion. All I know is that we are going through a journey. A journey with ups, downs and crazy curves along the way. And I am not worried about it, for I have peace.