Trading Hearts

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  Galatians 5: 22-23 (NIV)

When my girls were little, I packed healthy lunches for them to take to school. My daughter Katie reminded me the other day that no one ever wanted to trade lunches with her. No one wanted the turkey sandwich, fruit, or yogurt. Kids wanted chips, Twinkies, and Little Debbie’s. (This conversation occurred while she was packing her lunch for school and she packed a turkey sandwich.J) Whenever we trade anything, it’s because we expect to get something better. Katie’s friends didn’t realize that her lunch was more nutritious for them than theirs.  There was more benefit in fruit than in the chips or Twinkies, but they settled for something that they thought looked and tasted better, but was inferior. We settle for inferior products too—especially when it comes to peace.

Jesus bequeathed peace to us. “My peace I leave with you,” (John 14:27) He said.  Jesus sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to us after He left earth. When we have a personal relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes residence in us and  fruit is cultivated.  Peace is included. Often in our busy lives, we trade inferior products for peace. Sometimes it is busyness; sometimes worry, fear, or doubt. While we are assured of the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we trade other heart conditions instead.

The word “busy” in Chinese is made up of two characters: the character for heart and the character for kill.  How can busyness threaten to kill our heart? Research tells us that 85% of overstressed individuals are likely to have hypertension and heart conditions by the time they are 65. Stress and overwork—whether it is employment or a full schedule of activities—can affect our appetite, sleep, and digestion. We may even get headaches. Busyness can kill us emotionally and relationally as we run from one commitment or project to the next and put real relationships on the back burner.  Despite lots of contacts, we don’t have a real friend and busyness contributes to loneliness.  Busyness can crowd out our prayer time and Bible reading and our spiritual life is bruised.  As branches, we stay less and less connected to the Vine (John15).

Looking for adjustments this month? Are you already overwhelmed and the year has just begun? Take your bequest—your gift and inheritance. Trade the inferior products you have been holding on to and take peace. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”  (Colossians 3:15) As the Holy Spirit cultivates peace in you, you will be healthier.  When you are, your friends and family will be too, as you nourish them.

Reflection:  Read John 15 and discover our connection to Jesus as the Vine. Read Matthew 6: 25-34. What elements of busyness do you see here that rob one of peace? Are there any parallels to your life? Read the rest of Colossians 3:15.  Can you make it a prayer this month?

                                                                       (c) Marilyn Nutter 2007

Have you ever looked at the clock and thought, “What shall I cook for dinner?” This recipe is perfect for a cold February night’s supper and can be prepared early and left to cook all day. Enjoy a day of peace while your evening meal cooks!

Crock-pot Chicken

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

6 Tbsp. brown sugar

3 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca or 2 Tbsp. flour

3 Tbsp. vinegar

1 ½ cup catsup

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. liquid smoke (opt.)

1 ½ tsp. hot sauce

Juice of 2 limes

Pat chicken dry and cut into chunks. Put chicken on bottom of crock-pot. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook all day.* Serve over rice.

In my busyness, I have even put frozen chicken in the crock-pot and it works. If you prefer, you can leave the chicken breasts whole, and once cooked, shred them and put on rolls for a variety of “Sloppy Joes.”

* Cooking times with slow cookers vary.

Marilyn Nutter