Take a ride on the ‘peace train’ Day Three 5

 in 2014 June: peace by

peace3

Day Three Peace train series

Peace, what is it?

Alternatively, when we hear the word peace we often associate it with the absence of war.

Leo Tolstoy wrote a book in the 19th Century entitled ‘War and Peace’. It infers that these are the two opposite ends of a continuum, war at one end and peace at the other; the antithesis to each other.

We know this is part of the story of peace, part of what we are all seeking but it is not complete.

In Australia we have never experienced war on our shores in our lifetime nor are we often forced to experience the up close and personal effects that war can bring, yet we still yearn for peace.

Take time today to write about the ways you can seek peace in the midst of your war.

How do you seek peace?

About Kelley

Kelley is a speaker, author, overseas aid worker and perpetual student. She is passionate about women and gender issues, both in the local and international context, which underpins her enthusiasm for kinwomen and its contribution to women ‘living their finest life’. In 2014 Kelley completed a Masters in International and Community Development before establishing The Foxglove Project. Foxglove is a registered charity focused on supporting international development projects that are sustainable and driven by indigenous leadership. Kelley’s paid work requires her to travel extensively to evaluate and support projects supported by Australian funds. This experience and networking enables Foxglove to partner with outstanding overseas agencies delivering real opportunities for the poor and vulnerable to lead independent self-determined lives. Kelley combines these passions with a love of family and faith. Across more than 30 years of marriage, Kelley and her husband have worked through many of the challenges of building a relationship while raising three sons. Their boys have now finished high school changing the dynamics of family life and relationships. One of her great joys is sharing parenting lessons and learning from good and bad (sometimes disastrous) experiences. She uses humour and common sense to talk about the everyday challenges facing parents in today’s context.

5 thoughts on “Take a ride on the ‘peace train’ Day Three”

  • Pia

    hello Kinwomen, the word peace may mean different things to different people, depending on what is happening in their lives. For me peace is very illusive and difficult to find especially where thoughts, feelings and emotions are concerned. However, I will soldier on regardless. Thank you for your great website. Regards, Pia.

    • Kelley

      Hi Pia
      How true this is, which is why we are exploring our understanding over seven days rather than just diving in with an easy explanation. I think peace ultimately is more about the anticipated outcome of a difficult season – if you know it will resolve, am expectant that the outcome (even if difficult) can be endured, and that you can and will go on…then peace is more likely to be close at hand. For me, it certainly extends beyond a feeling that everything will ‘right itself’ just as I would like. Can I still have peace even when I know this is unlikely? I think so.

  • Kerry Wilcox

    I know what things should lead to peace – spending time in the Word, meditating, prayer, spending to on myself. But, i struggle to find peace and settle in it. How do I switch off the outside stimuli – work, kids, commitments, housework,caring for others – so I can rest in the arms of God?

    • Kelley

      Hi Kerry
      One great comfort is knowing that God understands these anxieties and tensions and is still at work in us – speaking, encouraging and bringing others across our path. There are a set of chapters in John from 13-16 when Jesus speaks a great deal about his kind of peace, not a natural peace or even a peace of our emotions. In fact, it is referred to in scripture as a peace that passes all understanding (that is certainly what we do need at times). Though Jesus speaks of peace as a gift, he also tells us over these chapters that if we accept that in this world we will have trouble (not something wrong with us, exclusive to us or even necessarily brought on by our own ations) AND that we trust that He is fighting for us (the One who has overcome the world) THEN we can have peace. Why not read over these scriptures, ponder them, and expect that quiet voice to speak to you. By the way, I see you have kids and demands so this time may be short but just take it a piece (my very funny pun) at a time! Love, Kinwomen

      • Kerry Wilcox

        Thank you Kelley. I liked the pun :).
        And thanks for the words and the time you took to write.
        Kerry

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