“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Peace is not a word we use at work much.  It comes up when situations get so difficult that someone declares, “Peace!”.  But, other than that, it is really strange that our workplaces are more conducive to competition, tension, politics, arguments, etc.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a values statement that states we desire a peaceful working environment. Hmm, wonder why not, when the best of our days are when peace has been realized?

In the Lutheran church we attend on the east coast at the beginning of the service we spend a good amount of time showing a sign of the peace of the Lord with each other.  I know some people who really don’t like that moment as they end up shaking hands with strangers, but it dawned on me yesterday morning that when I receive the peace of the Lord from someone, I am really receiving a “piece” of the Lord in that small, short moment.  The next time we get a chance to receive the gift of the peace of the Lord, recognize that this is God’s love and peace being shared to us. It might also encourage us to give that gift of others more often.

Reference:  Philippians 4:7 (New Living Translation)