For all who have midterms this week:

I heard a lovely story once a long time ago. It was of a king who really wanted a painting of peace to put up in his castle. All of the best painters came from everywhere to paint, both his own kingdom and distant lands, because the king was offering a large reward for the best depiction of peace. They were each given a certain amount of time in which to paint a picture of peace, and when the time was up, they all assembled in the great hall with their paintings. The king walked through the rows of painters, carefully pondering each beautiful artwork. He saw many beautiful ocean scenes, with the sun shining delicately on warm sand and soft waves. He saw meadow scenes where the light wind through the grasses looked as if it could make music. He saw scenes of large gardens, full of every color of sweet scented flower, and tinkling fountains and massive cushioned couches. Finally though, he found his winner. All of the artists and the assembled crowd were shocked when he held up a picture of a terrible, crashing storm, trees bent over, the skies dark. There was a raging waterfall on the right of the picture, and in a little cove, just at the edge and somewhat behind the waterfall, a white dove sitting on its nest could be seen, peacefully sleeping and keeping its eggs warm. The king announced to everyone listening that true peace is not one that comes from being in a peaceful place, but it is the peace that you can feel inside when the world seems to be crashing down around you.

I'm so glad this came into my head at the beginning of this crazy, terrible, hectic school week. I'm so glad that while outside it can be storming, and all sorts of papers and tests are coming, I have the ultimate peacemaker and peace giver living inside of me. I can totally face this week :)