But I have been guilty of giving my peace away. I am self righteous and controlling, giving my peace away cheaply because being "right" is more important that standing strong. I have given away my peace because I'm bored or feeling ignored and I prefer attention at any cost rather than standing strong. I have given my peace away because I fail to value it as a solid foundation for my life. I have given my peace away because I fear being wrong.
So, how do I keep my peace? I think this is what happens when I cling to the Good News of peace:
I choose to give goofy or foolish people the benefit of a doubt. Maybe they are goofy or foolish but so am I sometimes. They can only ruin my day if I give them that power.
I choose to give people who want to get in my face or my way as much room as they need. The different road I choose to walk may be taking me where God wants me to be today.
I choose to give scary people a lot of space and I choose to pray for them, asking God to whisper love in their ears and hearts that they may heal.
I choose to remember that God loves me and no one else's opinion matters much by comparison.
I invite you to choose to stand with me, strong on the promises of God.
* Ephesians 6:10-18