Kayaking on Lake Champlain, Vemont. No noise but the lapping of the water, and an occasional bird.
A covered bridge in my favorite state, Vermont.
Peace, fortunately, is available to everyone. We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we react. That’s what people always tell us, and it’s true, but I think there is more to it. A lot of circumstances we do choose, and sometimes we choose well and other times poorly. Our family is chosen for us, but not our friends. Choosing a job for money or for fulfillment can bring either stress or peace and happiness. Lots of choices we make along the way affect our lives.
We are born with our talents, but we choose whether and how to use them. I’ve had an interest in photography for many years, but only really began pursuing it about 7 years ago. I’m happy with that choice and it gives me peace and joy as long as I don’t compare myself to others! However, I wish I had made it a priority years earlier so I would know more than I do now, but jobs and children and life were more important.
We can either fight the unpleasant circumstances in our lives that we have no control over and can’t change, or we can choose to be content and joyful, which brings peace. It sounds so simple, but I know it’s not. It’s a goal. I know I so often need help to act on my choice to be content, and that’s why I choose to let God work on my heart. By myself, I don’t choose wisely often enough.
I couldn’t figure out photos to illustrate life choices, so I’m showing you a few photos in this blog that bring me peace, and one with a question.
The Amish have chosen to live more simple lives. Does this really bring them peace?
We used to love the clouds and sunsets we saw from our back porch. Now we can only see the houses that have been built behind us. Not our choice!