Grace and Peace

The phrase “Grace and Peace” was firmly entrenched in the lexicon of Emmaus Road Community Church. It was said as both a greeting and farewell during services, but it also slipped into our everyday vernacular. Emails, letters, cards—all signed “Grace and Peace.” It was a benediction, a prayer, a blessing.

Now I have those words above the door in our porch. The outside is an invitation, Bon Repos, and the inside is a final prayer, a last
thought before you leave our house, Grace and Peace.

I am aware of God’s grace in my life every day—probably every minute of every day. I see it in my husband’s hand wrapped around mine. I see it when our kids laugh together, bright, unfettered laughter that fills the house and sets Lennie barking and running in tight circles.

Grace surrounds me; I breathe it in. I sip it like wine.

But peace. That’s another story. I struggle with being at peace. There
was an X Files episode where Mulder wished for world peace. What he
got was an empty planet inhabited only by him. I have a quote on my
wall by Virginia Wolff that says, “You cannot find peace by avoiding
life.”  My first thought is, why not? That sounds like a plan. Just
avoid unpleasantness. But I don’t think Mulder or I would truly find
peace just by being alone or avoiding life.

True peace is something that comes from inside. A quiet surety of Who
is in charge and a steady confidence that He wants what is best for
us. There is a reason that the words grace and peace are often linked
together. God’s abundant favor, His overflowing mercy leads us to a
life of rest and peace.

Grace does surround me, but I think I need to breathe a little deeper
and drink to the dregs.