Monday, when you’re back to the noise of life, it can be difficult to listen to just one person, to hear that one important voice amidst all the other voices.  Phone calls, voice mails, E-mails, instant messages, snail mails.  Beepers and Blackberries.  Conversations on the run, interruptions.  Too many voices, too much clamor.

The key to inner peace is to hear Christ’s voice above all others.  “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Salvation is a gift, a grace given by God, not the result of our busy-ness, as important as today’s busy-ness may be.  Shutting out the clamor, the demands, even people… some moments every hour is the only way to hear the one quiet, calming voice, and to be graced with peace. 

 

In life’s bewildering strife and eager rush

I lose so much of Thy sweet gentleness;

But in the peace and solace of this hush

Strengthen and soothe me with Thy blessedness;

Give to me what Thou wilt; here at Thy side,

Whate’er it be, I shall be satisfied.

 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)