3/22/22
Sometimes we think of peacefulness as being a part of resting and inactivity. When we hit very busy times in our lives, especially ones that involve considerable stress, we can long for a break. We can long for a more peaceful pace of life.
There is also a different definition of peacefulness. This kind of peacefulness refers not to the activity of our natural body, but rather to the state of our mind.
A lack of peacefulness can exist even when a person isn’t physically active. Many of us have probably experienced times when our sleep was interrupted with disquieting thoughts, doubts and worries. Our body can remain relatively still in bed, but we feel deeply agitated in our thoughts. There also can be a state of mind when a person is moving rapidly to accomplish many goals and tasks, and yet is feeling very peaceful about each thing he or she is doing. This peacefulness can exist amid great activity because the person is feeling content with what is and isn’t happening. He or she has a sense of trust that “If I do what I can reasonably get done that is all I need to expect of myself.” The person can have a deep sense of the Lord’s work to expand and enrich what is happening to accomplish His goals. This kind of peacefulness isn’t dependent on things going just as planned.
This kind of peacefulness isn’t just a matter of temperament. It comes from spiritual growth. It comes from a deep love for and trust in the Lord. Although few, if any, of us can be peaceful in this way all the time, it is a goal to strive for. We move toward this goal as we work with the Lord to become better human beings. We move toward it as we move away from all the motivations and patterns of thought that oppose it. One of the powerful descriptions of this peace is contained in the description of “rational good.” This state of mind is directly contrasted with “rational truth.” “Rational truth” characterizes a state of mind and life that is dominated by truth not tempered by a love of what is truly good and useful. This state of mind is almost always in conflict.
In contrast we are told:
Rational good never fights, no matter how much it is assailed, because it is gentle and mild, long-suffering and yielding, for its nature is that of love and mercy. But although it does not fight, it nevertheless conquers all. It does not ever think of combat, nor does it glory in victory. It is of this nature because it is Divine and is safe of itself. Arcana Caelestia 1950:2
As each of us individually grow in our ability to have this peace it will significantly help us better serve other people in a truly wise and loving manner. It will increase our energy and focus on the more important issues of life. It will provide a dwelling place for the Lord within our lives and allow us to better help Him bring His kingdom more fully to this world.