Moments of Peace

 

I do not often take pictures at night. Sunrises and sunsets, yes, but not often at night. After an evening meeting, I was walking through the long hallway that connects two of the buildings at our church. One wall is glass and looks out into the courtyard that is home to our baptismal garden. People are baptized there. I have done weddings there. Our youth often break into small groups there on Sunday evenings. On any given day, individuals might be found there, sitting and praying and collecting their thoughts. We recently added a columbarium as a part of this space. It is a lovely, peaceful and sacred spot in this frantic and chaotic world.

As we walked through the hallway, a friend pointed out this night time visitor. We have no shortage of rabbits on our property, but they are usually on the move. This one, alone and still, seems to be transfixed by something. He is facing the columbarium, where several of our beloved community have been laid to rest. Our little friend seemed to be in prayer on that beautiful night, enjoying a moment of peace before getting back to the never ending fight for survival. A few of us stood still for a moment and enjoyed this wonderful scene.

Jesus often went away for a moment of peace and prayer in the midst of his chaotic life. So much to do, so little time. So many people to meet, so many people to help and encourage, so many stories to tell to point people toward God and God’s way. That is why he needed those moments. There was so much to do. He often went alone. When he asked his closest friends to join him, they seem to just fall asleep while he prayed. But Jesus found strength to go on in such moments.

Luke simply tells us that, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” As my momma would say of various things, “If it is good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for me.” As the season of Lent moves toward its end, it is not too late. We still have many moments where we can stop and find a moment of peace in our chaotic world, where we can catch our breath, where we can be still and listen for God.

Peace.