October 7 – The Peace of the Eternal
As we listen, floating up through all the jangling echoes of our turbulence, there is a sound of another kind — a deeper note which only the stillness of the heart makes clear. Howard Thurman
Gregg’s Reflection
When silence and stillness take root in us, something beautiful happens — peace emerges. Not the fleeting peace of circumstances, but the deep peace that Jesus promised, “the peace I give you, not as the world gives.” This peace is born not of control or resolution, but of resting in God’s presence and knowing that we are held.
Howard Thurman, the spiritual mentor of Martin Luther King, Jr, once wrote of this inward centering: “How good it is to center down!” He described the deep stillness where our restless questions are quieted and we hear the eternal voice that steadies our steps. I have found that in those moments of centering, life is reoriented — I return to my work and relationships with greater gentleness, courage, and trust.
John O’Donohue described aging as a ripening into stillness, where our fragmented lives begin to knit together. That image speaks to me of the healing work God does in silence and stillness. These practices are not escapes; they are the womb of transformation. They prepare us to live with more compassion, to become bearers of peace in a restless age.
When we carry this peace into the world, we become what Jesus called “peacemakers.” Silence and stillness open the way — but peace is the fruit, a gift we give to others because it has first been given to us. The greatest gift we can offer another is our own interior peace and stillness.
Scripture
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give 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. This verse was the focus of my early meditations, when I sought peace for my troubled mind.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
Colossians 3:15
Ancient Quotes
In peace there’s nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility.
William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act 3, Scene 1
Modern Quotes
How good it is to center down! … As we listen, floating up through all the jangling echoes of our turbulence, there is a sound of another kind — a deeper note which only the stillness of the heart makes clear. … Our spirits refreshed, we move back into the traffic of our daily round with the peace of the Eternal in our step.
Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart, p. 12–13
Stillness is vital to the world of the soul. If as you age you become more still, you will discover that stillness can be a great companion. The fragments of your life will have time to unify, and the places where your soul-shelter is wounded or broken will have time to knit and heal.
John O’Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom, p. 117
Journaling Prompts
- How have silence and stillness shaped you this week?
- Where do you sense God inviting you to carry peace into your relationships?
- What does the “peace of the Eternal” mean for your daily life?
How can you become a healing presence for others out of your rootedness in God’s peace? Silence and stillness are the doorways into God’s presence in our daily lives. Making time for silence allows us to hear the ‘still, small voice.’ God never forces us to listen, we are free to ignore the voice, but our lives and relationships will certainly suffer. Reach for places of stillness and silence.
Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 40 Reflection: Stillness & Silence