In a world of judgement and opinions, I often struggle to find Peace. I grew up at a time when peace was equated with those of the hippy generation. Not that it’s a bad thing, but the words “Peace Man” just take me back to my childhood. I was just behind that generation, so even though I raised my lip when I heard that statement, it must have still rubbed off on me.
I was born in Philadelphia and raised on the outskirts. In my husband’s eyes I’m and a city kid. To me I think it was more like a small town, pushed up against another small-town kid. The local butcher knew us by name, and the local stores were small businesses owed locally. By the time we moved it was really not that way anymore. That local butcher sold out to a Wawa. My Peace became riddled with cars, and people just going through the motions of day to day, so they could make it to the next day. Dark was dotted with head lights, tail lights, and with people who felt sleep was underrated.
My move to the Eastern Shore of Maryland was a culture shock. Locals said town was 10 years behind the times. After being here for a while I can say for sure it was. Kinda strange when you go to the movies, and the “new” movie first time showing was one I had seen years before. I started to find my Peace.
Did I ever think I would marry a dairy farmer, well no. But my dream had always been to own a farm. I told my husband my plan was to rent my land out to a farmer, but never thought of marrying the farmer. I guess the good Lord knew what direction I needed to find my Peace. I have said many times I live in God’s country. yeah, life here is hard, we struggle somedays to make it through. I have learned more about “living with faith” than just having faith.
Finding my Peace starts when I see the simplicity of life. The innocence of creation. How blessed I am to have the time to notice. I take the time to enjoy, and I allow the feeling and understanding of my independence could be something that can be lost at any time. I think that is one reason I can deal with my MS as I do. I have peace in the knowledge knowing its ok. We regularly help with the birth of a new calf, to see life from its first breath is amazing, but somedays it doesn’t work that way. I realize it may not have meant to be and I find my Peace.
Peace starts when I allow myself to see what we have been blessed with. Looking out the window in the morning and seeing the pond and all its little critters is like realizing I’m not alone. Then of course the doggies remind me of that too as they need to go out. I get myself moving and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Remember the pond in its stillness reflects an almost perfect image. Quiet waters mirror themselves, and a quiet mind has an adequate perception.
I Love where I live. I find Peace with myself, I bring Peace into the house, I bring Peace into my relationship and family. I carry Peace with me into my world, but you won’t hear me say “Peace Man”. Thats just to dated…. I prefer to stay quiet and allow the rushing world to cruse by. Our lives are crazy busy, but built on faith and a quiet Peace, that at the end on the day I can lay my head and sleep without regrets. It took a dairy farmer and a life out on a farm to find my Peace. Well, ok and maybe some cheese.
The Lord will give strength unto his people; The Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 KJV
Enjoy today, enjoy those around you, cause it can all change in a heartbeat.