Peace From a Quote

A couple of weeks ago, I randomly turned on the radio in my car to hear Chuck Swindoll say, "It's not your job to clean the fish bowl; just clean up your own stuff." He was speaking about relationships - meaning that while we can't change another person's behavior, we can do something about ours.

Putting that little phrase into action has brought so much peace as I look at the fish bowl of family, church and life in general. I am so thankful that God only holds me accountable for my actions. He brings them to my attention, calls me to take responsibility and then gives me the grace to clean up my mess.

When I take care of "my stuff," I find the prayer of Paul in II Thessalonians 3:16 becoming a reality: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."