Reservoir of Peace

Today in Small Groups we continued talking about the Roots and Fruits of Christianity (Galatians 5:22). A question came up, which went something like:

"Why is it so easy to understand and speak about joy, and much harder to understand and speak about peace?"

And then I thought - we have all of these tangible ways of measuring money. We learn to save, at some point. We can look at our balance, and hopefully, if we've saved enough, we're able to give money away or retire someday. 

Can the same thing be true for peace? Is peace something more empty (burdens being removed) or full (needs satisfied, not hungry, feeling loved)?

The answer I received tonight is that only the Holy Spirit can be the bringer of peace. If that is true, we should all swim in this, because we will need our spiritual reservoir for when times get hard. I will continue to meditate on this while I'm in Hungary, because I think it could be a lifesaver.

Artists can have a wretched time feeling peaceful. Financial worries can nip at our toes. We must feed the guilt-monster that reminds us to practice. We must painstakingly work on our craft, and the same time, maintain relationships, work towards goals, and care for ourselves and others. 

Touring China with Ellen, and hearing about her preparation process, taught me a lot about "practicing in advance." Those of us who read quickly and learn even quicker know that we can get a lot of work done (musically) in a very short amount of time. However, if "life" happens - extra projects, emergencies of a variety of sorts, etc. - that "cram time" is then put in question - and then we are in real trouble. Ellen's method of practicing things in small ways - gestures, bowing, breaking down different elements, and also practicing in advance, served her well on the tour. When things like illness or fatigue visited, there was no panic about preparation or an ability to pull off a concert. She was thoroughly prepared. She had built her "preparation reservoir." 

What is our spiritual equivalent of this? Daily prayer? Reading? Discussions with other Believers? Writing? A daily walk in silence? Anyone who has any responses or answers, I would welcome them wholeheartedly. 

PHOTO: A lovely snapshot from near the "Teacher's Room" at the Reform Seminary College, Sárospatak, Hungary.