From the Chaplains
As we reach the last week of term, I am reflecting on inner peace as we enter the period of winter break. Of course, for College staff there is always work to be done for the following term, and I am mindful of those who continue the good work of property upkeep, repair, building work and admin staff – the ones who keep the ship afloat while many of us are at home or on vacation elsewhere.
The source is unknown, but someone who is clearly a deep thinker has written the symptoms of inner peace which I absolutely love:
- The tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears.
- The ability to enjoy each moment.
- Loss of interest in judging self and others.
- Loss of interest in conflict.
- Disinterest in interpreting the actions of others.
- Loss of the ability to worry.
- Frequent episodes of appreciation.
- Feeling connected to others and nature.
- Frequent attacks of smiling through the eyes of the heart.
- The increasing tendency to let things happen rather than to make them happen.
If you have all or even most of the above symptoms your condition of peace may be so far advanced as to not be treatable!
I found it funny that when I was reading this excerpt in one of my devotional books, it spoke of how we often use ‘symptom’ in a negative manner to speak of an illness or disease. As we look at the list however, there can be positive symptoms as well.
Symptoms of inner peace could reflect spiritual vitality and that we’re at a place in life where we feel a sense of balance and that everything in our lives just makes sense at this time. Last week in Chapel we focused on the compassion of Jesus when he looks upon the crowds, who seem frayed and without hope. The compassion Jesus feels moves him to call his disciples into action with bringing about healing and hope to those around. But, of course, it begins first with our own selves.
We must be nonjudgmental and compassionate, first to our own selves and then of course to others. To quote the devotional I mentioned earlier, (CPR for the Soul by Tom Stella), ‘Until we learn to accept our less than perfect selves, both peace and happiness will elude us, and we will create havoc, not peace, for those around us.’
As I log out for the term, I give thanks to God for sending us Edwina O’Brien as Assistant Chaplain, who has been such a support in ministry and pray Jesus himself may bring peace to you and yours.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand until we meet again.
Stay well and safe!
Reverend Punam Bent
College Chaplain