Peace, Peace, and More Peace

Today has been wonderful. It was quiet and peaceful. Nelson and I were able to get some things done here at our house. I always like it when Nelson and I are working on our home together. I helps me to feel calm and accomplished. Nelson had to go to the store to get some ingredients for our dinner, and while he was there he bought dinner for a person in need. I am so blessed to have him as a husband.

The best thing about today is that it has been a normal day. I used to pray for days like this. Days that are full, however, without drama or problem. Days when we can just relax and be grateful for all that we have. Gratitude goes a long way. Being thankful for all the blessings in our lives. There have been way too many things to make us sad. Today has not been sad, it has been good.

Peace is filled with quiet and stillness. There is no disturbance. It is a natural state that the earth tends to extend to us. Peace flows with the river, and as we walk beside it, we hear the flow of the water, and is speaks to us about God and His peace. We experience quiet and in the quiet we hear leaves rustling or the wind blowing through the trees, and the birds singing. Those things speak to us about God, His creation and peace. It is this kind of peace we search for so that our mind is still, and wordless. No constant useless chatter, just peace. I have to seek peace. We must pursue peace. Peace is worth chasing after, and having.

In our families we need peace. We need to listen to each other, and acknowledge the way each family member feels. We need to build a home of safety and security for each family member. All of us deserve to feel safe. If you are feeling out of sorts in some way, it is best to let everyone in your family know that your emotional cup is running low. Recognizing that first for yourself is helpful. Sharing how you feel with your family members is wise. If they know you are having a hard emotional day, then they can best support you and know how to speak to you, and you will know how to speak to them. Gentleness and kindness needs to lead the way. That is not easy to do. Nothing worth doing is easy to do. It is a decision you have to make ahead of time. Making it in the moment, is extremely hard to do, and not likely to succeed. Be someone who brings in the peace. Where there is peace, God resides.

What does this have to do with estrangement? Everything. I have an estranged adult child. I believe that one of the reasons that she is estranged is because she didn't feel emotionally safe. She didn't feel at peace. I want peace for all of my family members. I want peace for myself. I have to say it is not easy. We are all having to learn to trust each other. At least the 4 of us that are working on it are learning to speak easily with one another, and to trust each other. It is not simple, nor easy, to find peace during an estrangement with an adult child. Little by little Nelson and I are finding it. I am very grateful.

Please know that you are loved and. enough. Comment below and let us hear from you. We want to hear your story.

#estrangement #estrangementwithadultchild #peace #thankfulness