SIMPLE40 - Day 13 - The Possibility of Peace

Katie Donahue
6 hours ago
4 min read

When you think about growing in the virtue of simplicity, what other virtues rise up alongside it?

Peace almost immediately comes to mind. But which comes first...does peace lead us into simplicity, or does simplicity make room for peace?

Perhaps they are intertwined.

When I think of simplicity, I also think of clearing away unnecessary complexities, distractions, noise, and possessions. There is something deeply attractive about the idea of a peaceful, uncluttered life where what truly matters is prioritized...where contentment, joy, and gratitude take root. It sounds beautiful and almost effortless.

But we know it isn’t.

Peace is a choice, and it requires intention. Just as simplicity does not mean “easy,” peace does not mean the absence of difficulty. It flows from an inner stillness that is not dependent on external circumstances. It requires a heart that is steadily being purified of anger, resentment, comparison, and anxiety. It means choosing patience when you would rather react, forgiveness when you would rather hold on, compassion when you feel misunderstood. True peace is only possible when Christ is at the center.

As Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., writes in Divine Intimacy:

“True interior peace is the refreshment and repose of the soul in the midst of the struggles and sorrows of life… We should desire it above all because it gives glory to God.”

This kind of peace is not fragile. It is rooted.

And this is where simplicity serves us. When we intentionally let go of excess, whether material, emotional, or spiritual, we create space.

Space in our homes.

Space in our schedules.

Space in our hearts.

In that space, the peace of God can settle in more deeply.

As we continue striving for simplicity this Lent, we begin to see that it is not about having less for the sake of less. It is about having less so that we can receive more...more clarity, more purpose, more freedom, more serenity...even in the midst of uncertainty.

spiritual

Oh, if only obtaining peace was as easy as pushing a button! No matter what is going on in the world, your home or your life, you can choose to focus your heart and mind on God. When you choose Him above all else, you can experience His perfect peace in every situation. So, obtaining peace can be like pushing a button...the God button!

Tell yourself: I AM WORTHY OF PEACE!

Write that down and put it wherever you need to see it.

I AM WORTHY OF PEACE!

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in all ways. The Lord be with you all. ~2 Thessalonians 3:16

Here is a button to push for peace: Salt of the Sound's complete collection on Spotify. You can also find them on Pandora, YouTube and any place that hosts music. (Salt of the Sound is one of my favorite groups to listen to when I am in need of peace. They are the musical collaboration of husband and wife duo Anita and Ben Tatlow whose aim is to create music that encourages spiritual reflection, both in church environments, and in times of personal quiet.)

Salt of the Sound on Spotify

self

Anxiety never changes tomorrow’s outcome, but it does steal today’s peace.

And peace is too precious to surrender.

Yesterday we thanked God for the willpower to persevere in our personal Lenten sacrifices. Every time the craving surfaced...coffee, chocolate, sugar, bread...we quietly prayed: “Jesus, I do this for love of you.”

That simple prayer transforms deprivation into devotion. It turns self-denial into self-gift. It strengthens the will and loosens the grip of vice.

Today, we build on that.

Anxiety often disguises itself as responsibility. It whispers that if we worry enough, we are somehow controlling the outcome. But worry cannot carry tomorrow, it only burdens today. Simplicity invites us to release what we cannot control and to act faithfully in what we can.

One powerful way to reject anxiety is through intentional, functional movement. When you move your body, you cooperate with how God designed you. Exercise releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, improving mood, reducing stress, and restoring clarity. But even more than the science, movement becomes prayer when offered with intention.

As you begin your 40 minutes of movement today, repeat:

Jesus, I do this for love of you.

Offer the discipline, the sweat, the resistance and any stress you are carrying. Place every worry at the foot of the Cross and move forward lighter. It is not easy. Every small sacrifice strengthens the will and every repetition weakens the hold of vice. Every act of love simplifies the soul.

So today: Reject anxiety. Choose peace. Move with love.

What are you doing for your 40 minutes today? Have you ever worked out while praying? I shared the Fiat Fitness Project a couple days ago. Here are a couple more peaceful, prayerful exercise options.

Rosary Workout - Glorious Mysteries

Stretch and Surrender - 15 min

(If you feel like your anxiety is out of control and you cannot harness it on your own, it's okay to seek professional help in the form of a counselor or therapist. Your mental health is precious and worth taking care of!)

service

Bring peace to someone today through your smile and/or a positive compliment. Strike up a conversation in the grocery checkout line. Meet a friend for lunch or coffee. Volunteer to help a young mama with her little ones. Call a friend or family member you haven't talked to in a while. And, make this delicious, healthy recipe for your family!

simple recipe

ALMOND COCONUT BREAKFAST BARS I make these for breakfast and they usually don't last until the next day. These freeze well and are a great option for a healthy road trip snack. 1 cup blanched almond flour 1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt 1⁄4 cup coconut oil 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1⁄2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1⁄2 cup pumpkin seeds 1⁄2 cup sunflower seeds 1⁄4 cup slivered almonds 1⁄4 cup raisins or dried cranberries Directions In a food processor combine almond flour and salt. Pulse in coconut oil, honey, water and vanilla. Pulse in coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almond slivers and raisins. Press dough into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish, wetting your hands with water to pat dough down. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Cool bars in pan for 2 hours, then serve.