While we have all awakened this week to the sound of rain on the roof, it is essentially quiet outside as most of the birds so many of us enjoy flew to warmer and drier locals in September. But the hope of spring came on Tuesday in my neighborhood when flocks of robins arrived to pull worms from our lawns. Their winter break seemed to serve them well as they look robust with their sizeable red breasts. With vigor they have been daily combing the grass, providing me with a wonderful visual: a workforce with clear vision is productive and peaceful.

On one particular morning as I sipped amazing coffee brought to me by my dear friend Betsy, I watched a robin work underneath my favorite apple tree. I thought about how much we enjoy that particular tree, grafted with three apple varietals. While the tree seemed to take a break in 2004, last fall’s crop was generous. So weighted down were the branches at one point we propped several limbs to save them from snapping. Between the kids, our dogs, birds and Oliver, our apple-loving horse, the tasty fruit is now but a memory.

The Apostle Paul chose fruit as a visual to explain what God’s spirit produces when you build a love relationship with Him and make use of the passion and gifts given to you at birth. An in-depth look into Paul’s wonderful explanation is offered in the book of Galatians. Written by Paul sometime around A.D. 49, the book carefully explains that embracing and following Old Testament law, even the Ten Commandments, cannot in and of itself give us the life here and into eternity God has in mind for us. Instead, the law serves as a guide and acts to point out our need to be forgiven. To Christians, Christ alone is the great saver of souls.

Galatians was written during an interesting period in church history. A segment of Christian teachers insisted that non-Jewish believers obey Jewish law and observe traditional rules. They believed following the Law of Moses — in addition to following Christ, saved a person. Paul opposed this teaching by demonstrating that the law does not save people trying to live righteously with the hope that you will appear good enough misses the mark. Trusting Christ’s forgiveness, then expressing your gratefulness by living as best as you can hits the bull’s-eye.

Watching those robins work peacefully (not a tug-of-war over a single worm was observed!) reminds me that within God’s design, His spirit is not only observable but mirrors the character traits found in the nature of Christ. They are by-products of a relationship Christ yet unobtainable if we think we can make a go of it alone. We must know Him, love Him and imitate Him daily. As a result we will fulfill the purpose of the law: to love God and our neighbors.

Observing peace in any form is a dead giveaway that God is at work.

With this dynamic of intention and relationship better understood, let’s look a bit closer at peace. Peace is particularly important to me for I am by nature a peacemaker and a diplomat. I’m not energized by confrontation. Those of us who yearn for peace are particularly stressed and saddened when it disappears from our homes, neighborhoods, places of work and communities. Without peace people easily choose anger, leading to behaviors that include overreaction, carelessness, and violence. As I watch international news, in particular, I often wonder what percentages of people around the world, living in war-torn communities, suffer from extreme depression. And while I have learned that strong emotion and angst can bring out the truth, press us toward better solutions, and bring out the best in us when expressed in a controlled environment, people thrive in an atmosphere of peace. They perish physically, emotionally and spiritually where there is no peace to be found.

Many times we must fight for peace. We must ask God to draw near, for where He dwells, peace enters.

Peace is achieved one person at a time, one event at a time, and one day at a time. And each day, as we ask God for the wisdom to know how to fashion a peaceful heart, may we also ask Him to deflect some of our fears and selfishness, helping us to discover reactions that contribute to peace including dignity, hope, respect, and confidence. May we desire peaceful workplaces, kitchen tables, and roadways. May we ache for peace so continually that we choose observable changes in our personal behavior during times when we hold the power — rather than rationalizing that because there is war in the hearts of men and great conflict around the world, all efforts at peace are ultimately futile. Nearly a century ago writer Mary Roberts spoke to this issue when she reminded her readers that “peace is a gesture as strong as war.” This truth remains ever true today.

Peace can be produced even when the big picture seems fruitless. It happens when we ask Christ to step into our lives, to bolster our resolve, and empower our souls with courage — giving us an eternal vision for His peace in the places where we dwell.

Joan Bay Klope is a freelance writer and speaker who makes her home on Whidbey Island. E-mail comments and speaking requests to faithfulliving@hotmail.com.