Peace in his presence

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God no

matter what the conflict.”

-- ANONYMOUS

No matter what our political beliefs are, I think we would all

agree that the political and financial worlds are anything but

positive, predictable or peaceful.

I know we all want peace and we are all praying for peace. I also

know that we have different views about how peace can best be

attained in these trying and tumultuous times. We need to continue to

pray for those who make daily decisions that do and will have

worldwide effect.

I read a beautiful little piece on peace by the son of a friend of

mine. My friend’s name is Debbie and she has done an impressive job

raising her son Kris without a spouse.

Debbie’s husband died unexpectedly when her son Kris was 4 years

old, and over the years, I have prayed to and praised God for the

strength and guidance he has given Debbie to raise Kris to be a godly

young man.

Kris is now 12, and Debbie has great stories to share about him.

She has done an amazing job and an incredible balancing act, staying

involved in Kris’ life, activities, schooling and church while also

working full time. Debbie has carefully chosen the right

organizations and clubs for Kris to participate in, as well as

volunteering in many of them with him.

As a result, God has brought wonderful male role models into Kris’

life, and he is certainly a well-rounded and remarkable fifth-grader.

One of Kris’ school assignments was to write a paper for Martin

Luther King’s birthday. Debbie and Kris gave me permission to share

what he wrote. It was titled “I Have a Dream ... .”

Kris wrote:

“I have a dream that there would be world peace. I would like that

because I would never have to worry about going to war ever. Freedom

means to me that no one will be treated different. If that would have

happened, there would have been no Civil War. Prejudice means to me

that you judge people before you get to know them. I don’t think

being prejudiced is fair to other people. A hero of mine is my mom

because she is always hard working and loves me a lot. She is just an

excellent mom. If I could do one thing to change the world, it would

be to have world peace. I would like that because it would mean no

wars.”

I’m sure that parents and children around the globe share similar

hopes and prayers for peace in the world.

I also sense that God is reminding me that no matter what goes on

in our individual worlds, as well as in any and every country, he is

still lovingly and patiently offering his peace to our weary souls or

sagging spirits. All we have to do is ask.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.