In Isaiah 11:1–10, we get this amazing example of peace from the animals that would normally be enemies but they are able to put aside their differences and hangout with each other, especially when the little kid is leading them along. It shows that there is a calm, beautiful world where everything is made right again. But in Matthew 3:1–12, John the Baptist shows up in the wilderness, shouting and telling everyone to change their hearts and lives. At first, they seem really different while one is peaceful, and the other is kinda intense in sowing peace, but together they show that real peace doesn’t just happen. It starts when we let God change us from the inside out.
I have been so lucky to have seen little glimpses of peace in my own life. One way is in our new dog, Dotty. When we first got her, she was wild jumping everywhere and not listening to anyone and of course it is still a struggle. But now she’s is starting to learn to sit, lay down, and listen to us. Watching her grow and learn new things has shown me how patience and love can bring peace, even in the small things.
I also feel peace every night when I do my devotionals. That’s my quiet time when I am able to slow down, read, and talk to God. Even if my day’s been stressful, those moments help me feel closer to God and remind me that He’s always there.
Another place I feel peaceful is when I am at dance class. When I’m with my best friends, laughing, and working on new things, everything else kind of fades away. It’s like I can just breathe and enjoy the moment. I also see new life growing in the new friendships I’m making at school and at 2BC. It’s amazing how God can bring the right people into your life at just the right time.
At home, God’s peace looks like eating dinner with my mom, talking about our day, and joking around together. It’s simple, but it means a lot. Peace isn’t always quiet or perfect but it is knowing that God’s love is right there with us, no matter what’s going on.
Dear God, thank you for the little glimpses of peace you give us every day. Help us notice them more and share that same peace with the people we meet.
This reflection was written by Ella Grace Harris.