Where Can You Find Peace?

The world today seems to be getting busier and busier…people rushing to work, bringing their kids to school and sporting events, shopping, visiting the gym, etc. It’s amazing to think that even though technology has supposedly made our world a simpler and easier place to live in, most of us just can’t seem to find the time during our busy day spend some peaceful and quiet time for ourselves? So, what is “peace” to you? Everyone has their perception of what Peace might be. Today’s story is an excellent illustration of what real peace really should be.

   

What is Peace to You?

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Long ago a king sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied him, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally the great day of revelation arrived. The king uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered.

The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled.

As the king pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd.

A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.

The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace?

A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power.

A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil. 

~ Berit Kjos, A Wardrobe from the King, pp. 45-46. ~

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Which picture do you think won the prize? 

The king chose the second picture. 

Do you know why? 

“Because,” explained the king, “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.”

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Note: In addition to writing my own blogs / stories, I also like to search for stories and other inspiring / motivating / encouraging things from around the World Wide Web. If you see an article or story that you have written and want it removed, please feel free to let me know. I do try to give credit to the people and/or web sites that I find the information when I can.