Stillness is hard. There is a psychological need to do something, accomplish something. Even when physically still, restlessness can stir a tempest of our thoughts, an internal storm beneath a quiet exterior. Our workplaces can make us slaves to productivity and efficiency, rewarding us for behaviors that are soul damaging. In the midst of the craziness of life, we need rest. We need quiet. We seek peace.
Sometimes in the midst of my hurriedness, the gentle voice of God speaks through the words of the psalmist: “Be still and know I am God” (Psalm 46:10). With a calm yet firm hand, the Lord reaches out and asks me to stop all my striving. “Be still…”
The wisdom of the psalmists words are echoed in other religious traditions as well. Lao Tzu, that ancient Chinese philosopher, spoke of the peace that is found in stillness: "One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others." Once my thoughts are still and at peace I can see an accurate reflection of myself and my place in the world.
My soul resonates with the words of the Buddha, when he says, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” How true this is! How often I have fooled myself into believing that some external goal, a person or a place, a relationship or an accomplishment was all that stood between me and the peace I sought. Yet, once there, the peace I longed for was still lacking. Perhaps you, too, have felt this way?
Finally, we come to my favorite teacher, the One I have come to know as my Lord and Savior. Recorded in the gospel of Matthew, the 11th chapter, Jesus gives the invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (verses 28-30).
These words are a balm to my soul, because I sense that ultimately peace is not about some thing, some way, or some how. It’s not about me and what I can do. It’s about some One. It’s in this relationship that I have only and ever found peace and rest.
The need for peace and rest is on my mind every day as I work in the residential program at Intermountain. I serve 32 emotionally disturbed children and the amazing staff that attend to them. Day in and day out, these brave children, their supportive families, and a host of skilled care givers work through the messiness of restoring trust and building relationship. It’s hard work, and comes with its fair share of chaos and noise. There is the bustle of the cottage, the activity of school, the emotional gymnastics of therapy, and so much more. But amidst all this wonderful and fruitful activity, one thing in lacking. Perhaps you have guessed it by now?
Yes, it is peace… a place of sanctuary. There is little room for rest, quiet, and peace. Having maximized every nook and cranny on campus, there simply isn’t a great place for it! Even our chapel services take place in the multi-purpose room of the school building: a room used for physical education and a cafeteria. I’m thankful to have a room to attend to the children’s spiritual needs, but a gym is not a sanctuary no matter how hard it tries! Hopefully, though, that can all change soon.
After over five decades at 500 South Lamborn, Intermountain residential services in Helena has the opportunity to build a dedicated chapel space by renovating an older cottage on campus. Coupled with hundreds of donor gifts both large and small, a generous matching grant leaves us only $40,000 short of the money needed to build “Van Orsdel Commons,” a reference to our founder, Brother William Wesley Van Orsdel. Why “commons” and not “chapel?” Well, we’d like those reticent to step into a chapel to feel comfortable coming in to this shared, common space on campus. We’d like EVERYONE to feel the rest, calm, and peace that God can provide.
It’s an exciting time in ministry at Intermountain. Let’s prepare a place for peace and rest together for the children working so hard towards health and healing! I’d love to talk with you about how you can help make the Van Orsdel Commons a reality this fall.
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The Reverend Chris Haughee is a licensed minister of the Evangelical Covenant Church and has served as chaplain of Intermountain’s residential services since 2012. An adoptive father to two, Chaplain Chris Haughee is an advocate for greater inclusion of foster and adoptive families in the life and ministry of local congregations. A member of Helena’s Elevate Montana group (www.elevatemontana.org), you can follow his ministry at www.intermountainministry.org or contact him at chrish@intermountain.org
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