There is a story about a king who one day announced a competition in search of the artist who could best paint peace. Many famous painters entered the competition because the prize money was huge. 

There were many impressive paintings. The one that stood out was a painting of big mountains and a beautiful blue sky filled with pure white clouds. The water in the lake was smooth as a mirror. There was no wind. Everyone thought this painting would win. 

But they were surprised when the king announced the winner. This painting also featured mountains, but they were rough and empty. The sky was filled with dark clouds, and it certainly looked as if a storm was brewing. 

The people actually thought that the painter had misunderstood the assignment. 

The king then pointed to a small bush growing in a crack in one of the rocks. In the bush, a bird had built a nest. Amid the storm and the fierce winds, the mother bird sat quietly in peace, hatching her eggs. 

Life is often not peaceful. Fierce winds blow constantly, and storms rage all the time. True peace is to live in peace amidst the wild winds of life. 

It’s not always easy, because when the winds blow fiercely around us, we want to stand up and defend ourselves. We want to make our point and highlight the other’s mistakes. We even want to put on boxing gloves and become involved in the fight. 

However, the Word of God suggests the opposite: 11Say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. 

It’s easy to help someone who is a kind person. It’s pleasant using your energy when people work together and do their best to keep their sides clean. It’s no fun helping others if they’re pulling in the opposite direction. 

In the same way, it’s certainly pleasant for God to help and assist people if they want to do His will. Yes, I know we slip and slide sometimes. But we must still get up every day and try again to live within God’s will. 

Keeping peace is very important to God. Now I’m not talking about wars between countries or political parties that regularly get out their swords to kill and get rid of each other, so to speak. 

No, it’s right there in our homes where we disagree and insist on our rights and think we’re right again. Soon, a little war breaks out until one of us raises the white flag. We must preserve peace at all costs. 

At work, with our friends, even in unfamiliar places, we must be peacemakers. Jesus came to earth to make peace between us and God. Let us then build on this tradition and be true peacemakers amid the fierce winds blowing and in the storms of life. 

Scripture
1 Peter 3:8-12

Reflection
Where is there no peace in your life?
How can you make peace there?
To whom should you wave the white flag? 

Prayer
Father, it’s not always easy to keep the peace when I disagree with someone. I know it’s Your will that we should live in peace with each other. Please help me to live according to Your will. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.