Peaceful Surroundings

I am learning

or seeing more and more

that my surroundings can be peaceful

but that to keep God's peace in my heart is a great

battle and one that does not end.

At the same time, I see hints of promise and

that change is possible; to grow spiritually

means growth in humility

and by knowing this

I know more of

how little I know.

How mired I and others can be; it is not for no reason

that some of our Orthodox prayers beg God

that we will repent before we die.

Yet God promises to be with us

to be faithful

and in this promise

I hope.