My the intent this morning was to post further inspiration for a still deeper spiritual peace. But the day began with all three children of the household rushing in with their mom to crowd around my computer and watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrive at the International Space Station. Live feed from the International Space Station, along with the camera shots of earth below, always bring a sense of awe and wonder. It is an icon for humanity's ability to work together with a shared vision, to discover and fulfill new possibilities for our world. Even though the children didn't really understand, they were carried away with excitement, grabbing everything they could reach, sending things crashing to the floor. This was followed by a wild romp in another room and then back to the baby corral as I settled again to post on peace. Soon after though, I heard a blast of crying, at first with tones of outrage and then continued with the angst of hurt feelings as one sister wrestled a teething biscuit away from the other. I had to laugh at the irony of constant interruption while trying to offer you inspiration on peace. But spiritual peace is not a noiseless state, or a life-less state, that always conforms to our ordering of life. Deep peace at our inmost center is that space of assurance that all is well, even when life is chaotic. What kept running through my mind was this Gaelic blessing:
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you...
And from St. Theresa of Avila (Spanish Nun, Mystic and Writer, 1515-1582)
Let nothing disturb thee;
Let nothing dismay thee;
All thing pass; God never changes.
Patience attains
All that it strives for.
He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing:
God alone suffices."
Peace, Susan Nettleton