The Secret to Inner Peace in a Hectic World

It has been a hectic start to 2010. I’ve been away from home most of the year (some for work, but most to be with Paula visiting her mom in Charlotte). Paula’s daughter had a difficult pregnancy and just delivered a healthy baby boy Sunday morning – welcome to the world Duke Dodge!! Children have been coming and going, even when we’re not home. Work has been sporadic. All in all, a hectic new year.

Even though I have been very busy the past few weeks with work and family, my equilibrium has been off – not having that anchor of home and routine. I found myself in a bit of a funk.

Then I heard a talk at church last week that reminded me of something I learned many years ago and try to practice in my daily life. I believe it is the secret to happiness, to inner peace.

I experience inner peace when my daily actions are aligned with what is truly important

What I believe is truly important in this life is:

1. My relationship with God.
2. My relationship with my wife, Paula, and my children.
3. My personal health and well-being.
4. Serving others, including teaching, writing, and other acts of service.

As I looked back over the past few weeks, I could not say my daily actions (especially my discretionary time) were aligned with what is truly important. There was a little too much March Madness, and not enough time on the weightier matters, including taking care of my personal health.

I have done better this week and have experienced greater inner peace, even if the “outer” life is still hectic.