Saturday, May 14, 2011

Sunday Reflections


My peace I give you. (John 14:27)

When I think of peace I think of the story I heard long ago. Two artists were asked to paint a picture illustrating their own idea of peace. The first for his scene choose a quiet, lonely lake nestled among mountains far, far away. The second painted a thundering waterfall. Beneath the falls grew a fragile tree, bending over the foam. On its' branches, nearly wet from the falls sat a robin on its' nest.
The first painting was simply a painting of inactivity. The second, depicted rest and peace.
I've often thought if I could paint, I would love to paint a scene like the second one to remind me of what true peace is and that Christ is the giver of this peace

Christ endured a very troubled life. Storms and turmoil and waves broke over him until he was laid in the grave. His inner life however was smooth as a sea of glass, and a great calm was always there. Anyone could have gone to him at anytime then and still today to find rest. One of his final offerings to the disciples
was "My peace" 
Peace is not some holy feeling that comes to us as we sit in church. It is a state of calm rising deeply from the heart of a believer.
Please join me in linking up with Spiritual Sundays



23 comments:

  1. I have found that peace is one of the greatest blessings I've had in my trial with separation, divorce and standing for marriage reconciliation. The journey I'm currently on would surely have done me in if I didn't have that peace that passes all understanding! Thanks for posting this, and thank you for the comment on my blog!
    Carrie

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  2. Good Morning Annette, A very thought provoking post, beautifully written. Wishing you a blessed Sunday.

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  3. I love the illustration of the robin, it reminded me of this quote...
    Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (unknown)

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  4. I think I would paint the second one too. Peace for me is an enduring calm in the middle of everything. I wish you peace today.

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  5. What a wonderful reminder of the fact that GOD is in control NOT our circumstances. Thank you for a lovely Spiritual Sunday!

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  6. This is a beautiful illustration and reminder that that peace we seek comes not when the storms are over but when we learn to dance in the rain!

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  7. I like the picture you described of the waterfall and the Robin...what a true picture of life! I'm so glad Jesus gives us peace beyond all understanding, in the midst of the rushing water of life's trials that pour down on our lives.

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  8. Great post! For me, peace is KNOWING I am loved and safe. Happy Sunday!
    Hugs- Tete

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  9. Great post. May peace be with you!

    Take care,
    Pam

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  10. Ooooh, I just love me some peace and quiet, especially in the morning and I do that in the garden. Beautiful yellow rose!....Christine

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  11. Beautiful reflection of the rose. Love it.

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  12. Thank you for this most touching and inspiring post.

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  13. Great post. Thank you for sharing.

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  14. I love this story-thanks for sharing it. I don't usually think of all of Christ's turmoil except at the cross-thanks for pointing that out and your message!

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  15. What a beautiful post, Annette!
    Yellow roses are my favorite...so, I enjoyed the picture as well as your inspiring message.
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  16. I love these paintings of peace. Yes we need Christs peace! We all have storms...

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  17. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comment. Hope you have a wonderful week, xxx tami

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  18. I heard the same illustration about the robin on the nest by the waterfall many years ago in church. It is so true. God grants us a peace that passes all understanding. Peace through the storms. Thank you for encouraging me today :)

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  19. Beautiful, Annette. Good insight.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  20. A beautiful picture! I'll go to sleep tonight with this image in my head. Thank you.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  21. This is such a beautiful post Annette!

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  22. I love when the feeling of peace comes during times when you would't feel peaceful apart from Christ.

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Thanks for leaving a comment. I
read each and every one.
Have a blessed day!
Annette