“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

I live on a farm way out in the country. God blessed my ancestors with this land five or six generations ago. I experienced city life as a child (South Central Los Angeles) and again for 18 years after graduating from college (DFW area). I moved to the farm a couple years ago due to the cost-of-living.

I don’t miss city life whatsoever.

Most mornings, I wake up and hear birds chirping. I tend to the cats, hydrate, and look outside to see the first line of sunshine saying hello. I see the trees and hay. Sometimes, I see the cows having a morning parade to the south pasture. I walk outside and see a mole destroyed one of my butternut squash plants (sigh).

It might seem I have no clue about the state of the world. Perhaps the reader of this entry sees me as the quintessential bumpkin in overalls and a piece of straw hanging out my mouth as I sit on my porch. Although I believe the expression “ignorance is bliss” rings true, I am aware of current events. Sometimes, my heart feels like it’s wearing dumbbells due to the violence and suffering I hear about.

In the past weeks, I have shed tears for both people I know and don’t know. Even though my life remains wholly unaffected, my heart grieves for people in pain.

My heart also grieves for the hatred and foolishness people spew. I intentionally removed myself from constant exposure to people’s opinions and the biased mainstream media. I read and watch just enough independent journalism to stay informed.

I do this to protect my peace.

Humans don’t have the capacity to constantly consume everything going on in the world at large or in other people’s lives. I believe sitting at the all-you-can-eat information buffet keeps people in a state of unrest, leading to anxiety.

Like Paul exhorted us, I won’t allow anxiety to rule over me, but will come to my God with everything so his peace will guard me against all the craziness of the world. I will also do this: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).” The brevity of life doesn’t leave room for worry and hate.

What keeps you (if anything) from living a peaceful life today? I pray you experience the peace which transcends all understanding.

EKG