"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." --John 14:27

There is a story told of a man who wanted to find the perfect picture of peace. So he searched high and low and all over the earth to find this painting. Unfortunately one could not be found, so he announced a contest for all painters who dared, to paint pictures of peace. The imaginations of all these painters starting to go and each one started to paint. Very soon after paintings started to arrive at the home of the man. And soon the day arrived when all the paintings would be revealed and the man would choose the picture that best represented peace.

As the judges uncovered paintings one by one people were awed at the technique and the care that each painter had put in their own painting, and they clapped and cheered for each painting. But now there were only two paintings left. As the judge pulled the cover off one a hush fell over the crowd. Here was a mirror-smooth lake reflecting lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the side of the lake was a green meadow where sheep were grazing. Surely this was the panting that best portrayed peace.

The last painting was then revealed. As the cover was slowly pulled back the crowd gasped, could this painting really be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice and the crowd could feel the cold penetrating spray. Stormy gray clouds threatened to release its fury and pour down its wrath. On one of the ledges was a spindly tree with a branch reaching out as if to test the tumultuous water that was coming down the rock face.

And on this branch was a bird and her nest. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

Peace. That is the kind of peace that God offers and gives freely to each of us. Peace that transcends this earthly turmoil. Peace that exceeds war, that exceeds hate, that exceeds everything this world has to offer. God is offering it to you. Will you take it?