"If you are yourself at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world. Then share your peace with everyone, and everyone will be at peace." - Thomas Merton.
Once upon a time a person who was tired of the frantic pace of city life gave up his job, sold his apartment, and moved into a small cabin in the woods. They wanted to find the peace of mind that eluded them in the city. For a few weeks, he thought he had found contentment, but soon he began to miss his friends and the conveniences of the city. When his restlessness got the best of him, he felt the urge to move again. This time he decided to try a small town. There would be people with whom to talk, and he could enjoy the convenience of the city without the pressure of the noise and the constant "hurry, hurry' city atmosphere. Surely, in this best of both worlds small town, he would find peace. Life in the small town, however, brought unanticipated problems. People were slow to accept an outsider, yet they seemed quick and aggressive when it came to prying into his personal affairs. Again the man grew restless and discontented and concluded that it was not possible to find peace anywhere. So he moved back to the city, convinced he must live a life of inner turmoil. This unfortunate man could have benefited from an important truth realized by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who wrote, "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself." Emerson understood that inner peace does not depend on where you live - true peace is a quality you carry within yourself regardless of external circumstances. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - Jesus Christ.
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Jason E. Royle
Welcome to my blog. I'm an open-minded theologian committed to Christ-like compassion & understanding. Categories
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