Floating and enjoying the sunset. I watched the dolphins swim beside the boat and play in the wake. They are amazing! They joined us on our journey. They are social animals, too. Do you have a peaceful place to go to even if it’s a memory? I feel the breeze and smell the sea. I stand in awe and wonder. What a beautiful world this is!

Today’s reflection is a word I often struggle with. I would like peace of all kinds, in my family, in my community, at work and in the world. Peace begins with me. It begins in my heart and mind. So, what am I thinking?

One of my favorite Scriptures is about joy. Remember to be kind. Not just kindness and generosity to others. Kindness comes from within. You should be kind to yourself, too. You’re not alone. No matter your faith tradition, you are not alone. I have a few ‘buddies’ that walk with me on my journey in this life with it’s inherent ups and downs. Without them to talk to, I would get discouraged! So don’t worry! Just give it to God. Be grateful for all that you have. Ask God for help. Then you will have peace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

My wake up alarm is a Christian rock song, The Goodness by TobyMac and Blessing Offor. My day starts with the thought that God keeps showing up. Sometimes, I hear the song before the alarm sounds. This is a good thought for the beginning of the day. No matter what happens today, God is going to be there. It also has a great beat! I like to start my day with good thoughts, breathing and dancing! Even if I only have 5 minutes to dance, it changes my level of peace and happiness. It increases the happiness hormones (see more below). God is good. I am good! It’s a good message!

The second part of this Scripture is important. I couldn’t skip it! It talks about how to live and think. What should you do?

If we are only looking for the bad, we will find it. It’s natural to be on alert. We can get used to trying to avoid pain, shame or conflict. That puts us on defense. Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean that you say anything to keep the peace. I would like to encourage true peace. It takes conversation, love and mercy. It takes patience. St. Paul talks about being an Ambassador for Christ. Meeting people where they are. Peace is complicated. Peace can be found when we agree to be ourselves and together in the world. All of those virtues we should learn in Kindergarten or as children are needed the rest of our life. We don’t have to be alike. That would be boring. It’s simple but not easy!

Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

Once again, I decide to be at peace today. I will be truly present for others. I will take care of my needs: eat, breathe, get enough water, pray, exercise and meditate. I will take a thought or Scripture with me on my journey through this day. If I could wish you one thing, it would be to find a wonderful way to start your day, new and in peace! We get a chance to make this a better day than yesterday!

In the Peace and Joy of Christ, Donna

P.S. Here’s a great article with scientific info: https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/blogs/bsa-blog/7-ways-dancing-can-improve-your-life. This article breaks down how dance can bring you more of those happiness hormones! Do you have the Habits of a Happy Brain? https://delta.dance/2020/11/why-dancing-makes-you-happy/ My friends and I try to go line dancing once a month. Even if I can’t actually keep up, it’s loads of fun!