Planning Peace

“… Joy fills hearts that are planning peace.”

Proverbs 12:20b

What might it look like to plan for peace this week?
Peace in relationships?
Peace at work?
Peace in your mind or heart or soul?
Peace in your home?

Is it something practical like planning ahead for dinner on a busy night to decrease stress or anxiety when that busy moment comes?

Is it crafting in little 5 minute moments (or 1 minute even) where you can just stop and connect with Jesus, notice how you’re feeling, and invite him in to whatever activity is taking place?

Is it choosing words carefully with your family member/friend/teammate in order to add peace instead of anxiety or conflict to a situation?

As I ponder what “planning peace” may look like (and why that brings joy) I’m struck by all the things that are the opposite of peace. There are many antonyms. It could be strife or discord in community. It’s a restlessness in our souls. Distress in our mind. Anxiousness in our emotions. It could even me a messy or loud house that feels in-peaceful.

While in one way that seems overwhelming to think of all the ways we can experience the opposite of peace, it also gives us many areas, big and small where we can start planning for it.

For me this morning, that planning starts as simple as believing peace may be possible this week. To trust that the Prince of Peace is on His throne and on the scene in my life. To hope that peace might settle in a little more into my soul, into relationships, into my work and my play… and that as it does, it might bring with it a little joy.