In the midst of this troubling political atmosphere and yet Holy Week, we wonder what is true, what is solid, what is eternal for us to hold onto.   I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns, “In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed an apple tree, ….a hidden promise…”  What is that promise for us this week, with the chaos of our world up against the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

What is true for me is that the peace of Jesus is real.  That peace can break in at any time we stop and recognize God’s presence, the presence of God’s spirit infused in all of life, including each of us.  I have recently started doing mindfulness meditation each day, prompted by our meditations at the congregational retreat in March.  Christian Skoor-Smith suggested I check out meditations on youtube.   There are endless possibilities which I am trying out to find what is the best fit.   I am also walking daily in my yard and the neighborhood to see where little green sprouts of promise lie hidden.  What looked dead is coming to life.   Is it possible that nature is a metaphor for human life, individual and collective life, people and community and government and worldwide?  Is it possible that Christ’s death and resurrection is an eternal truth?   Is it possible that embracing this truth works its peace in us?

Find what peace is there for you.  In the presence of a friend, in the flow of good work, in openness to God in prayer, in your special song, in inspiring stories, in accomplishment of a goal, in the vibrations of loving community.  Have faith in the promise of new life in the energizing work of God’s Spirit.