A reflective life

Peace. It is considered a element worthy and even necessary in our lives. Yet, peace is hard to contain, eluding our grasp when we need it most, slipping through our fingers when we try to hold on to it. Jesus first words to his disciples on the day of Resurrection was, "Peace. Fear not. It is I."

Peace comes at a price. For the deeply spiritual peace of soul, I believe that that price is the ability to let go of those things that disturb us. As each temperament is different, what disturbs will vary. But it is true, as long as we cling to things, we will continually be discontented. Nothing every goes entirely our way.

So what is letting go? We all must have values, or we are nothing but sheets flying in the wind. How can we avoid confusing our value system with our control issues?  First is to realize that the need to control comes from lack of trust and faith. There is a reason Jesus said, "Fear not." when he offered peace. For the need to control is a sign of fear. And trust cast out all fear.

I suggest the best way to peace is to live a reflective life. I encourage reading the psalms daily, taking passages that speak to the heart and spending time with those words, letting them seep into the depths of one's soul.  Only a reflective life can discern the difference between holding on to values and trying to control our life. And once you can distinguish between the two, you can make the choice that brings an ever deepening peace to your soul