Peace: Trading Lunches and Trading Hearts
When my girls were little, I packed healthy school lunches. The other day, my daughter Kate reminded me no one ever wanted to trade lunches with her. A turkey sandwich, fruit, or yogurt wasn’t appealing. Kids wanted chips, Twinkies, and Little Debbie’s.
Whenever we trade, we expect to get something better. Kate’s friends didn’t realize her lunch was more nutritious than theirs. There was more benefit in fruit than in chips or Twinkies, but they settled for something they thought looked and tasted better. We settle for inferior products too—especially when it comes to peace.
Jesus bequeathed peace to us. “My peace I leave with you,” (John 14:27). When Jesus left earth, He promised the Holy Spirit would come. We are assured of the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit, but we opt for other heart conditions. We may trade inferior products for peace. It may be:
Busyness—how will I get everything done?
Fear–how will we pay our bills?
Worry–what will happen next?
Doubt—do I have the skills to tackle a project? Will I fail?
Conflict-Why can’t they see my point of view?
Are you looking for something better? Take your bequest—your gift and inheritance: peace. Trade it for the inferior products you’ve been holding.
It’s the beginning of new year. Can you intentionally “let the peace of Christ rule in your heart today…” (Colossians 3:15) and make trades that enrich you and those around you? Where will you start?
(Incidentally, Kate is now an adult. She avoids chips and sugary snacks and chooses fruit. Much to my delight, she’s also learned the benefits of accessing God’s peace.)
The Conversation
Marilyn,
What a sweet treat (tongue in cheek) you have given me today. Following months of anxiety and worry that I was making the right decision by selling my home, I have peace. Prayer and worship provided this much sought after peace, just this morning. I know it it God’s will and I further know that if it wasn’t he would stop me in my tracks. Thanks for this reminder and the analogy of right eating.
May God bless you writing,
Judy
Thanks Judy. I know our season brings so many decisions and I’m glad this big one is covered with peace. Blessings as you move. Marilyn
I enjoyed meeting you and your friends today. Glad you liked the little card that my dear Nancy (67+ years of special love and devotion) inspired me to develop and print. Didn’t find your today post. Will look for it again. Please continue enjoying the blessings of this Terrific Tuesday along with a bite of chocolate from The Chocolate Tree.
Harrison, my friends and I all said it was a delight talking with you today. I’ll be posting your message from
Your card soon.
Blessings, Marilyn
Just found your nice comment. It is a joy to read your blog. As a fulltime caregiver for my sweetheart it is very nice to read uplifting messages.
Peace and Joy.
Harrison, I’m glad these posts bring refreshment and joy to you. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Marilyn
Sounds like Kate had a pretty smart mama then, and an even smarter mama now. How often do we trade the peace and security of our life in Christ for the next shiny object the world tempts us with. :: Squirrel! :: Oops, see it happens just that easily my friend. Thanks for this wonderful reminder Ms. Marilyn.
Thank you Jim, Yes, she looks back and appreciates it now, as if often the case in hindsight. I also appreciate your comment and yes, we often trade for the security found in Christ for other temporal replacements that fade.
This is a great metaphor, which makes it clear how silly but how attractive it is to choose anything other than the good God offers.
Agree. We are often tempted to choose the attractive, or easier, or whatever….and hindsight often tells us how silly we were. Thanks for commenting, Heather.