I crept as silently as possible to his doorway and held my breath, willing him not to wake for just another moment. I needed one minute of pause before waking my growing-too-fast-boy to begin our day.
He slept like I do – laying halfway between his stomach and his side, one leg outside the covers and head only ever so slightly on the pillow. From where I stood, his red cheeks and sweaty blonde hair were obvious signs of sleeping hard. If I listened closely, I could hear his rhythmic breath. He was still. Peaceful.
When I think of peace, often, I picture this memory-picture – my toddler boy in the mornings or just after nap. Snuggling into my arms as he woke. Quiet. Rest. Peace
Peace of a Different Kind
Days ago, I cranked up the music in my car. I surrounded myself with music, declared the lyrics, and allowed myself to feel all the variance of emotion I’d stuffed down in the days and weeks before.
The song filled the air and my soul, like it had for weeks.
“I don’t wanna be afraid every time I face the waves… I don’t wanna fear the storm just because I hear it roar… Peace be still! Say the word and I will! Set my feet upon the sea ‘til I’m dancing in the deep”
– “Peace Be Still” by The Belonging Co and Lauren Daigle (link to watch on YouTube)
Suddenly, a lyric I’d sung hundreds of times before reverberated through my soul in a way it never had before. Dancing in the deep.
Peace, so deeply felt, I dance.
My mind raced back to Peter stepping bravely out of the boat to walk toward our friend, Jesus. Before turning his eyes from Jesus, he walked on water. I wonder if he danced. Did he laugh in delight? Did he spin and clap his hands in glee? Was he so full of peace it overflowed as joy?
Peace. Beautiful and quiet. Peace. Bright and joyous. Let our hearts be filled with both.
A Liturgy for Peace that Dances
Lord – You are God of the deepest sea, the highest mountains and the endless skies.
You are God of the storms we fear and sunshine in which we bask.
But still, you know me. You’ve numbered the hairs on my head. Your Spirit knows the words of heart when I can’t yet speak them.
I claim your peace because you’ve promised it. I claim not just the quiet peace I often seek, but peace that overflows as joyous singing and dancing.
My hands and feet will praise you as my voice does!
I will not step timidly from the boat into the water. Instead, my eyes will stay steady on you, my heart will beat in time with the waves and I will dance and not be silent.
You are the giver of peace, of song, of dance! I will praise your name forever.
-Amen
Hugs and Blessings, Bethany
*Photo by Silas Baisch on Unsplash