We thank you Father, for the gift of peace.
I climbed the mountain, looking for peace.
It was quiet, it was calm, the
sky was blue and clear.
A bird flew overhead.
I said, “this bird will bring me peace.”
But the answer came to me as the bird flew away;
this is not the Father's peace.
We thank you Father, for the gift of peace.
I went down into the green fields and walked beside a quiet stream.
I found a good sturdy walking stick,
to give me balance and sure footing along the rocky banks .
I said, “this staff will steady me and keep me safe...
...this staff will bring me peace.”
But the answer came to me as the staff bent, splintered and broke;
this is not the Father's peace.
We thank you Father, for the gift of peace.
Finally, not knowing where else to go, I wandered into a market place.
The people were bustling and hurrying about.
Everywhere I turned, the place was filled with people and noise...
...it was chaos.
In my frustration, I cried out to the Father,
“I have looked everywhere for your peace, Father, it is not to be found!”
But the answer came to me:
Why do you seek that which has not been lost?
We thank you Father, for the gift of peace.
As I quieted my frustration, and pondered this answer,
I sensed a small point of calm and joy within myself.
And the more attention I gave that point, the more it grew,
...until it filled my entire being, with peace!
With delight, I realized the truth!
The Father's peace is within me.
I do not need to seek it out,
because it has been there the whole time.
And I said, “We thank you Father, for the gift of peace.”
Grace and peace to you all,
Paul
