PEACE. Where do YOU find it?
My view each morning. Me, my coffee and Frosty. 😊 I light my “tree scented” candle and reflect. Sometimes I hit the gym. Other times I get right to work. Caregiving and being an advocate for our daughter is daunting some days, and I can’t pretend to understand why life has taken such a difficult turn for us as we have watched her decline during this struggle for answers these last 3 years. Its surreal. There are many on this road. Some have been on it a lifetime and others are just beginning. We are all just searching for how to live the most fulfilling life possible. For me, peace must be at the center.
Surrounding myself with what brings me joy always lifts my spirit. 😊 I love a cozy fire, even in Florida when its 70F. This day, I chose my version of cozy with a fake fire on my tv. Whatever works. LOL
Guarding and keeping my peace is valuable. Anything that costs me my peace is too expensive! Peace keeps me grounded. In a chaotic world or circumstance, peace is necessary to anchor my spirit and my thoughts. Without it, it is all too easy to be launched in a million different directions and succumb to the chaos. I may have questions but I don’t dwell there. Asking “why” is a useless waste of time and energy for me. All that matters is forward motion, finding purpose and vision that keeps hope alive and the driving force that only comes from having a mind and spirit at peace.
Every morning I like to sit with my sweet Rascal and sip my coffee and reflect. It occurs to me as I walk this mysterious road of deep suffering that has touched our lives, I can truly say that my peace lies in the ever present belief that God is there. He sees. He knows. He suffered. I have felt His touch. I have witnessed His unmistakable divine guidance. I will hold fast even though I don’t know the outcome. My journey is not the same as my daughter’s and my suffering is not like hers but each and every one of us has something to learn and something to give from where we are – whether it is from a mountaintop or a valley. I have learned it is possible to walk the road of pain and grief and to hurt deeply because we love deeply. It is also possible to not have answers to those difficult questions and still have peace.
I hope this season of Christmas,
Whether you are a person of faith or not, whether you celebrate Christmas or not,
I pray you find PEACE in your struggle.
I pray that you always remember your worth.
Even in the darkest of moments, hold fast.
Remember who you are,
How beautifully and wonderfully you are made, even if you don’t feel like it.
Never give up. Be courageous. Be vigilant. Be hopeful and most of all – in it all,
Be at Peace.
In closing, I leave you with another song that touches me. I have come to know that no matter what happens in this life, All is well.
Merry Christmas to you All and many blessings to You and Yours. 🙏🏻 🌟
4 Comments
Wynell · December 14, 2023 at 5:13 pm
These are beautiful words written by a beautiful woman. May God continue to be a beacon of light and peace for you throughout the holiday season, Jennifer. 🕊️🎄💕
Jennifer Butler · December 16, 2023 at 12:09 am
Thank you so much, Wynell – for reading, for replying and for your prayers.
Robin Lee · December 14, 2023 at 5:49 pm
I pray for you and your daughter often. My heart aches for you. I wish I could somehow alleviate the pain, suffering and bring you and your daughter good health this Christmas season
Jennifer Butler · December 16, 2023 at 12:10 am
Robin, your sweet spirit and encouragement and thoughts to me have blessed me more than you know. Thank you.