the gift of Peace

this plant was given to me last fall from a friend,

part of an arrangement sent to a funeral

it bloomed this week for the first time

coincidence?

I think not

even though a few leaves have completely died 

and I've pulled them off,

even though it wilted terribly two weeks ago 

because I forgot to water it,

even though the edges of many of its leaves have turned brown,

in spite of all of the overwhelming physical evidence I don't quite have it's care "right"

my Peace Lily bloomed this week

it's a beautiful reminder

that peace is not dependent on my ability to "get it right"

it is a gift from God, 

often accompanied by His grace in less than ideal situations

"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."

Ephesians 1:2

John 14:27

"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."

John 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”