When You Feel Conflicted

Pursuing Peace

At the time of writing, it’s the start of lent. A 40 day period to prepare the heart before Easter. (Similar to Advent)

But a countdown to Easter seems harder, especially if we’re giving something up.

I’m trying to forgo social media, but it’s so hard.

What if someone sends a message? How will I promote a new post? Maybe I’ll miss out on a connection opportunity.

But maybe that’s the point of lent, to step away from distractions like the virtual, to focus on the spiritual.

So here are 11 ways I’m pursuing peace instead, inspired by Molly Flinkman’s essay.

Peace 11 Ways

1. Sitting at the park

2. Lounging in the sun

3. Holding my toddler’s hand

4. Leaning on my husband’s chest

5. Rocking my sleeping baby

6. Singing in chorus with brothers and sisters

7. Pressing on piano keys

8. Kneading dough

9. Enjoying fresh flowers

10. Reading a new book

11. Stillness

But as a mother of 2, it’s hard to pursue these moments. There are so many distractions, cries for help, and messes to clean.

Perhaps lent is a time to focus on a peaceful heart,

Even if the house is messy,

Even if the room is loud.

When life is uncertain and the future is unknown, I can pursue a peaceful heart and soul.

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well with my soul."

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series “Peace.”