Finding peace

I'm not sure if we've hit the mid summer doldrums or whether preparations for our trip north are making things chaotic, but either way we seem to be a little short on peace around here lately. We seem short with one another and there have been too many sibling quarrels to count.

I've often found myself hiding (quite literally) from the masses and seeking to find snatches of personal time and space. It's rare that I need to take a break from the family, but I finding myself wishing for some solitude and quiet time that is purely my own.

I know that I should be down on my knees thanking the Lord that life here in our home is usually quite peaceful. We're often busy, but generally well purposed and serene. There tends to be a calm and predictable order to our lives, and its comforting.

These verses spoke to me today as I'm seeking the Lord's help in restoring a sense of peace here at home.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing..
He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.
1Peter 3:8-9a, 11 (NIV)

P.S.: I hope we're all in better spirits come Thursday night as we depart for New England. A less than peaceful car trip of 17 hours would be most unpleasant!