Spilling coffee – black with hints of almond milk folded in the dark roasted waves. This is generally how my morning begins. A little bit of hurry with a whole lot of chaos. Trying to clean the stain from my white pressed shirt, all while sliding up that black pencil skirt – a little bit more snug than the week before. Thinking about the commute to my office, slamming on my breaks in traffic and the beautiful peppered noise of honking horns in the horizon!

Simply glorious. Mornings in the big city are idealized by most. But, take it from me – they are not that great. Happy Hours at local, niche restaurants and stiletto heels are awesome for a while until the novelty wears off. Give me a rocking chair and a rocky mountain view any day over the metal gridlock called your commute! Or better yet, an ocean view and the sound of the frothy waves.

Often times, I like to envision myself in a different setting – dressed in a white linen dress, frolicking on the sand with the sun hitting my exposed back. I think of that beach house I want to own someday – the one with the floor to ceiling windows that serves as my writing room. That old desk, glass plated with dried starfish lined under the clear top. Now, that is peace – or is it?

We often times idealize peace just like we can idealize the big city. If I am in this setting, I will feel that peace that passing all understanding. Only if I own a home will I feel free. Achieving motherhood will allow me to feel that peace that I so gravely desire. Not so. These are all wonderful things – but achieving them will not give you peace.

I absolutely love Jesus’ words in John 14:27. He says, “I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Peace is an inward triumph. And true peace is not from your doing – it is from God. You see, we can never attain peace on our own. No matter how many yoga retreats you go on overseas or stellar work goals you achieve, peace cannot be reached.

Sure, it may be great to free yourself from all worries and stress. Escape this world and live on a secluded beach somewhere. But, that’s not life. We can’t eliminate all the stress around us. We need to work in order to live and afford nice things. That’s the nature of life.

I like knowing that there is nothing I can do to attain peace on my own. It is a gift from the Father of all good things. I can pray for peace and seek his peace – these are things I must do. As Psalm 34: 14 says, may I “depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”