PERFECT PEACE
A teacher of English language was giving a
dictation to the class. The students were asked to write down the words
dictated by the teacher. Those who write every letter correctly, without any
error in spelling would receive a prize. The teacher started the test by
announcing the first word – ‘peace’. The students began to write. A bright and
brilliant boy stood up and asked the teacher, “Madam, I know three words
pronounced similarly. Which of these should we write? The boy meant the similar
sounding words – ‘peace’, ‘piece’ and ‘peas’. The teacher forgot that a test
was in progress and tried to make her point very clear, “It is p-e-a-c-e peace” she announced. There
were roars of laughter.
During a painting competition in a school,
the students were asked to paint a picture on the theme, ‘peace’. Two paintings were selected from the entries for
identifying the final winner. The scrutinizing committee of experts examined the
two paintings critically. One painting portrayed beautiful scenery. There were
lofty mountains covered by luxuriant green vegetation and a calm lake with
still water reflecting with clarity the green mountains and the beautiful blue
sky with fluffy white clouds. Around the lake were shown green trees bearing
fine fruits and fantastic flowers. A pretty bird was enjoying a safe rest in a
nice nest on a tall tree with no disturbance. Every part of the pretty picture
portrayed perfect rest.
The second picture displayed barren mountains
and a wild and disturbed sky with dense black clouds and bright lightning
indicating a heavy thunderstorm. An angry waterfall was raging with a
torrential stream of foamy water on a
rocky hillside. The trees had bent their branches in response to the
intense and violent wind. In a cleft in the huge rock, a tiny tree was shown
with a small nest on it. Within the nest a small bird was seated, with a slightly
opened beak, obviously singing a melodious music, in a state of perfect peace though
surrounded by the ferocious forces of nature.
The experts examined the two pictures and awarded
the first prize to the second picture. Perfect peace is being calm in one’s heart
while in the midst of all unavoidable disturbances, troubles, hard work and noise.
Real peace is not the state of rest one may enjoy in serene and silent surroundings without any
disturbance or distractions. The peace of God will keep us in peace in the
tempests of life. A
popular proverb in Malayalam, “Malakal ilakeedilum mahajanaanaam manamilakaa”
may be translated as:
“Mountains may move; but the minds of masterminds never waver.”
The Bible teaches,“The mountains and hills may
crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep for ever my promise of
peace”- so says the Lord who loves you” (Isaiah 54: 10}.
During World War II, there was heavy bombing
throughout a night. The frightened people stayed in trenches for protection.
One Christian lady remained in her own home and had a good sleep. The next day,
her neighbours asked her, why she slept through the night without fright. In
reply, she quoted from Psalm 121,
“The protector of Israel never dozes or sleeps. The Lord will guard you; He is
by your side to protect you…The Lord will protect you from all danger; He will
keep you safe” {Palms 121: 4-8}. She
added, “I believe that my God never sleeps. So there is no need for both of us
to stay awake.”
Jesus promised, “Peace is what I leave with
you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do
not be worried and upset; do not be afraid” {John 14: 27}.
St. Paul advises, “Don’t worry about
anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking Him
with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding,
will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus” {Philippians 4: 6, 7}.
Peace rules the day when Christ rules the
heart.
……………………………………………………………
© By: Prof. Dr. Babu Philip,
Darsana Academy, Kottayam-686001, Kerala, India ( Former Professor, Cochin
University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala,
India), Prof. Mrs. Rajamma Babu, Former Professor, St.
Dominic's College, Kanjirappally, Leo. S. John, St.
Antony's Public School, Anakkal, Kanjirappally and Neil John, Maniparambil, Ooriyakunnath, Kunnumbhagom, Kanjirappally,
Kottayam-686507, Kerala, India.
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1 comment:
Very good!
God is love!
Catholic blogwalking http://emmanuel959180.blogspot.in/
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