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Where do you find Peace?

December 10, 2023

Isaiah 40:1-11  |  Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13  |  2 Peter 3:8-15a  |  Mark 1:1-8

Psalm: 85:8  “I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him”

The second candle of advent meaning is Peace. As I reflect where do I (you) find peace for your heart, soul and mind? Well for me I find peace in a few places and each of the places fill maybe one or two of my heart, soul or mind.  

One of the places I like to go when my heart and soul are aching is where the ocean waves are rising, falling and crashing and hopefully catch the sunrise or sunset. The sound of the wave hitting the rocks and sand, makes me realize the God has graced us with beautiful environment and relaxing sounds. If I am catching the sunrise, I listen to the quiet beauty of the morning which God has graced me with a new beginning. A day to try to be the best person I can be and be thankful for the love that surrounds me.  If I am watching the sunset, I reflect on the day, that God has protected me for harm and graced me with a beautiful ending of the day.  Even in the middle of the day if I am looking for some type of peace, God grants me the grace to see or hear the peace around me because I have turned my heart to him.

The one place which always heals my heart, soul and mind is St. Luke’s. Today is the 7th anniversary of my husband death. My heart, soul and mind were falling apart, and my world was being changed forever. I woke up the next morning, which happened to be a Sunday, I could not think or feel or hardly breathe, but I was pulled to St. Luke’s. The moment I stepped into the church my heart felt peace. With each hug, smile and touch, my soul felt the love and peace of the community. As I sat in the church and listened to liturgy, words, songs and sounds my mind found a little bit of peace. Turning my heart to God allows me to feel, hear and see that peace which is right before me.

As we make our way through the season of Advent, remember to look for peace at least once a day. God grants us opportunities for peace everyday sometimes it is the quiet moments, the loud moments, touches, and smiles.  

May this season and every season bring you hope, peace, joy and love that Jesus has brought to us by his birth.

Anna Pilkington