Finding Peace in Chaos and Fear

Yesterday, the first day of Lent, I was cross county skiing at Blueberry Hill in Goshen, VT.  The beauty of the area -- mountains, birch and pine trees, snow, fast running streams, and the QUIET filled my innermost being, my soul, with peace.

Returning to Northern Virginia last night was a shock.  Cars were moving so fast I felt anxious.  There are twice as many people living in the county of Fairfax, where I live, than in the entire STATE of Vermont.  Everywhere is traffic and construction and litter and noise. 

How does one find peace in the midst of this chaos?  How does one find hope when facing fears?

For Lent 2011 I would like to contemplate, read, and write about peace and hope.  I believe they may be the keys to joy.

"Long is the way, and very steep the slope,
Strengthen me once again, O God of Hope.

Far, very far, the summit doth appear;
But Thou art near My God, but Thou art near.

And Thou wilt give me with my daily food,
Powers of endurance, courage, fortitude.

Thy way is perfect; only let that way
Be clear before my feet from day to day.

Thou art my Portion, saith my soul to Thee,
O what a Portion is my God to me."

Thy Way is Perfect by Amy Carmichael, in her book Toward Jerusalem