Wednesday’s thought – do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever

Francis de Sales is famous for saying many great things, but one that I think about often is this:

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

As I prepare for the day, printing homeschool lists and getting supplies ready to potty train an extraordinarily stubborn 2-year-old, this quote rings in my head. “Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” How is this possible to do? As a mom, there are many times when my inner peace is lost, there are many times when I hurry, and there are many times when my spirit is not calm. And yet, it doesn’t need to be that way. Francis de Sales calls out this truth for followers of Christ, that we don’t have to lose our inner peace and we can have a calm spirit, even when the 2-year-old is screaming and the big kids aren’t working hard on their school work. We can have that peace because it’s given to us by God.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So today, when all seems chaotic and difficult, I will try to remember that my peace comes from God. It does not come from a clean house and neat, completed schoolwork. It does not come from quiet, calm children. It does not come from great meals on the table and ample free time. It comes from God and it is available to me “even if [my] whole world seems upset.”