See this photo? I want to be there. Right now. Sitting at an outdoor European café, taking in the sights and sounds of the city square, and sipping my creamy, frothy latte. In quiet, uninterrupted peace.
Yet as I write this, I’m sitting at my kitchen table, looking out at my tree-lined backyard, and sipping a black (as caffeinated as I can make it) coffee … surrounded by my almost 3-year-old and 1-year-old. In not-so-quiet chaos.
I wouldn’t trade this “chaos” for the world. But every now and then, I need to escape. To pull away, retreat, and insert myself into another world for a hot minute. Or two. Or ten.
So, I stare at pictures. Sometimes it’s café scenes like this one. Other times, it’s room décor from a furniture catalog. In almost every instance, I’m drawn to a scene that exudes quietness, stillness, and peace.
Why? Because we all need a break from the noise.
Maybe you like running, or love long showers, or adore sneaking in a few minutes with your favorite book. Whatever it is that refreshes you — do it. It’s in that quietness when we’re able to come alive again. Out of that stillness, we find energy to tackle the next thing.
Even Jesus took time to step away from his work and the crowds to be refreshed.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
Finding balance in life is key, and that comes with us knowing when to pull the plug on the chaos and step into our peace zone. It doesn’t happen automatically or show up when it’s most convenient for our schedules. We have to be intentional about making time for it.
But when we do, we become better versions of ourselves. We’re able to give of ourselves again. Be kinder. Show grace. Love better.
So, take five, friend. Get your peace back.