Restore: Peace

This week’s Advent theme of “Peace” has been so beneficial to me, and hopefully to you, as I share what others have said about peace in their lives. Today’s words from Will, another member of Christ Zionsville’s Governance Board, are profound yet simple. Think about them and how to use them in your own life. Thanks, Will.

“I don’t really have a simple answer for you. Others may talk about prayer, but the truth is—I’m not very good at it. Life is busy, and it hasn’t slowed down much, even with the kids grown and married. The pressures of work never seem to end. For me, Sunday church has become a reset, a place where I try to leave my burdens at the door.

I also volunteer at Restore. On the surface, I tell people it’s my way of giving back to the community. But honestly, I enjoy the work because it frees me from the usual pressures I carry. So, I ask myself: am I finding peace through volunteering, or am I simply being selfish because of the peace it gives me? Maybe it’s both.

At my wedding, my brother—who was my best man—gave a speech about the importance of simple kindness: saying “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “you’re welcome.” Just the basics. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all remembered those small courtesies? I don’t think a peaceful marriage can exist without them.

So again, I don’t have a neat answer. Maybe peace looks different for everyone. Maybe the hard truth is that some people don’t want peace, or their lives are too full of demands to make room for it. For me, peace is about being grateful for my circle of people, finding ways to leave anger at the door, and holding onto the things that keep me grounded.”