in the tranquil

Tranquility grows more precious to me as I grow older; as every day passes.  I love to dwell in the silent fields where wildflowers bloom, creeks gurgle, and dragonflies hover. The peace and serenity of an open garden gate calls to me more loudly than dark movie theaters and gossip with neighbors ever could. To escape, even for a moment, from the ringing clamor of daily life is relief like no other: the teenage drama, the jealousy, the squabbles, the boy-talk, the ever-chatting voices that whine and warble and snap and sometimes begin to sound like yipping Chihuahuas. 

It's not that I don't love people--I do. I enjoy conversations, I enjoy friends, I enjoy gatherings, movies, music, laughter, the pleasure that comes with being loud and silly every once in awhile. It's just that lately people have seemed louder, talk has seemed more meaningless, and the world is appearing more and more fake.  

It's just that there is an unmistakable pleasure in silence that comes every once in awhile, too. 

But I don't live in a dreamboat world. Lying on my back in a white dress in a wooden canoe with rose petals floating beside me in the crystal waters is purely the stuff of Pinterest. And in this life, I won't get anywhere if I let myself trail my hands in a lake all day long. It has to come in snatches. 

It doesn't have to be in a field surrounded by wildflowers, it can simply be you huddled in your tiny closet, talking to God for ten minutes. It can be stepping outside for a mere moment to catch your breath on a long an busy day. 

Life can so easily blot God out. I can so easily blot God out. And without God, there is no true reaching of tranquility. Peace can be felt in a boat, in a field, in a white or blue or peachy dress. But true serenity begins in the heart, and where God abides. 

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another,agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

[2nd Corinthians 13:11]