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Preserving peace of mind
Americans are apprehensive for many good reasons lately. The teeter-totter economy, the presidential election, the on-going war in Iraq, and gas prices that continue upward are concerns people carry with wrinkled foreheads and heavy hearts. I've heard the phrase “God only knows” frequently in the past few months. In spite of depressing news, I try to keep a peace of mind found in trust of God. Sometimes that is a battle, especially when bad news would affect my children and grandchild. One morning at school, peace of mind was scarce, to the point of being overwhelming. That day I had a good morning at home before leaving for school. The drive was pleasant with the new spring green coloring the hillsides. I hummed to radio tunes and felt peaceful, looking forward to a good day. I greeted my fellow staff members with a cheery good morning and noted that almost everyone wore a glum countenance. Across the table from me a teacher was having an emotional battle because of a rough start to the day at home. She made a few comments about the situation and took deep breaths. I couldn't think of a positive thing to say so I tried to make a joke about motherhood, unsuccessfully. Another person asked if we had heard about the assault of a 16-year-old girl by a gang of girls who posted the beating on YouTube. The victim was hospitalized with a concussion, eye injury, and severe bruises. The reporter went on to detail how the teenagers plotted the whole attack and even had scouts watching at the door of the home where the beating occurred. We sadly wagged our heads pondering how inhumanely humans can act. Hearing that bad news reminded me of the group of third graders in Waycross, Georgia, who planned to kill their teacher because she reprimanded a girl for standing in a chair. Yes, 8 and 9 year olds brought a broken steak knife, duct tape, a paperweight, and other things to use in the attack. That information went through my head but I didn't speak of it. We were already glum enough. I drifted off in thought for a minute thinking how frequently I have told students to stop standing in chairs. Another staff member brought up the need to help a student who was struggling in a highly dysfunctional family relationship. The seriousness of the student's struggles and burden was heartbreaking. Another report concerned a family member of a student who battled a severe staph infection. Sleeplessness, disappointment, cares, and concerns, one after another weighed heavier still. By that time, my peace of mind was gone, replaced by general anxiety. Thoughts of violence, dysfunction, and disease were troubling. Like riding a boat in choppy waters, I was bounced around by one depressing thing after another. We all needed calm waters that morning. Eventually we got there, just like a group of nervous disciples did 2,000 years ago. Uncertain of their future, hearing that their teacher would be leaving them, they had heavy hearts also. Jesus, however, saw beyond their present distress and told them, “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” We won't escape the bad news; it may come calling on us personally. But there is peace of mind in knowing a greater force is at work on this planet than the forces of darkness and pain. “These things I have spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace.” (John 16:33) Arlene Neal is a wife, mother of six children and a middle grades teacher with a Masters in Education from Appalachian State University. She lives in Granite Falls. Contact her by e-mail at nealies@hotmail.com.
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