April 1, 2026
Attention to Peacefulness
by Randy Mynard, Sr. Warden
I get so stressed by the assorted ills of society that I am distracted from the peacefulness around me. I hardly notice it amid the chaos of modern life, where dismaying news constantly arrives via television, internet and newspapers. We can get caught up in family responsibilities, career matters, planning, tasks demanding our attention, health concerns.
The unremarkable aspects of daily life pass us less appreciated than they warrant. The ordinary little things that make life pleasant – birds singing, a breeze quietly wafting by, the rich fragrance of coffee in the morning, puffy clouds passing, the feel of mown grass on bare feet. A neighbor dropping by to chat; a letter telling some family news, a pat on the shoulder. They are little things but so meaningful. Step outside and sniff, breathing in the freshness. Isn’t that nice? It is so ordinary that we easily overlook its value to our wellbeing. “Stop and smell the roses” goes the cliché. Do we?
Have we forgotten since childhood that wonderful sense of simple awareness? Of merely being? I need to savor what quietly surrounds me – the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that God blesses each of us with amid life’s demanding clamor. I must notice them and rejoice in the simple delight of being alive, taking time to savor life in its richness. Share that with someone you love. Words are not even necessary. Maybe a silent prayer thanking God.
