PEACE

I’ve faced numerous challenges, anxieties, and pains, but the most challenging was my bout with depression. However, once I experienced the peace of God—a peace that surpasses all understanding —I learned to cherish it deeply.

I can’t fully explain the unexplainable; I can’t help you comprehend what surpasses all understanding. But I’ll try to explain why I place such immense value on it.

The high places are more appreciated after overcoming a fall. When you’re struggling to simply get through the day without feeling overwhelmed. When your world seems too dark to see a way out. When you feel as if there’s no hope or help.

Then, one day, you gain the ability to see from a higher vantage point, breathe again, and live with a healthy perspective—this is freedom. Miraculously, you’re healed! The peace of God is restored!

Peace doesn’t always mean the difficulties will end or that it will be easy. In the midst of the storm, it’s meant for you to endure the struggle. You learn to value your peace when the thought of losing it becomes a reality. I guard my peace with my whole heart. I refuse to allow stress, anxiety, or fear to take hold again!

I’ve learned to manage anxiety, reduce negative stress, and avoid people who disrespect my boundaries. Because, when I’m not functioning in a productive and positive manner, I’m no earthly good. I can only function fully when I’m mentally and emotionally stable.

So, I’ve learned to control my emotions and thoughts. I’ve come to understand that sometimes, it’s none of my business. I’ve grasped that there are many things beyond my control. I’ve learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart, to lean less on my own understanding, and to value peace above all else.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

I recall a new hire, a co-worker in management, who desperately sought everyone’s approval and acceptance. Despite her position, she carried a heavy burden of personal and professional rejections.

She would lavishly bring expensive breakfast treats to meetings and organize extravagant outings for her department. However, her behavior was consistently rude, demeaning, and condescending. She actively created a hostile workplace by being a large, negative presence who made sure to encroach on everyone else’s space.

• When someone is not a favorable influence in your life, yet they take up a disproportionate amount of your time, you must set boundaries.

• When someone’s character or behavior is consistently draining your positive energy, you must set boundaries.

• When someone makes you feel uncomfortable and unsafe, you must set boundaries.

• When people seem comfortable behaving in a manner that makes you uncomfortable, you must set boundaries.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." This highlights the importance of setting boundaries to protect one's soul and well-being.

Always be kind to yourself and others. However, you also need to be clear and firm when setting boundaries. You can inform that person that your safety, sanity, space, and time are valuable to you and let them know what they are threatening. You must be prepared to guard your boundaries, because some people will not respect you without them. Some people simply can’t be trusted with access to all of you, and you have the right to set limits on their access.

Creating boundaries is, in part, about teaching others how to treat you and protecting your well-being. Clearly stated boundaries are demonstrated by the way you express yourself to others.

Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

PRIORITIES

As sons, daughters, husbands, wives, parents, employees, church members, and friends, we’ve dedicated our lives to serving others. But as adults, many of us struggle with the idea of doing nothing. We feel guilty and ashamed about not being productive on certain days. So, we fill our days with activities to avoid appearing lazy.

Amidst our busyness, God asks, “What about me?” We rush right through our day, doing this or that, and make little to no time for the One who created it all. During my harvest season, my retirement, I’m now free to spend more quality time serving God. I have made time for purpose.

During a conversation with a retired friend, the Holy Spirit reminded us that the concept of inaction as we know it may not always be accurate. In fact, stillness holds immense significance in achieving a balanced life. Within this stillness, extraordinary possibilities emerge, particularly the ability to receive divine guidance from the Lord.

My friend struggled with time management. She couldn’t find enough time to complete projects until she fell ill and became bedridden. We agree that sometimes God allows challenges to get our attention when we’re stubbornly opposed to His will. It’s as if He’s saying, “What About Me?”

God deserves our time, attention, love, and devotion more than our families, friends, or jobs. God wants to spend more time with us.

When we’ve completed our responsibilities in our youth, and God brings us to this season of rest as retirees, we must dedicate ourselves to our divine purpose. This doesn’t mean we’ll neglect our other relationships. In fact, when we’re devoted to God and His purpose, we have favor to be a greater blessing to others.

So, it’s important to slow down and sometimes just be still. I told my friend that women like us, who are long-suffering, hardworking, and devoted, have now received grace to rest, and be restored. In that space of “doing nothing,” we discover the peace of God.

Retirement should be a transition from service to a time of rest and enjoyment, rather than the end of work. The primary purpose of life, including retirement, is to glorify God and experience His presence forever.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

Proverbs 16:3