What Gives You Peace....

[ronedee]

Thank you all, for your answers and precipitation!

I want to say, that there was no ulterior motive to drive the conversation into Christianity....unless it went naturally.
I have a true desire to know what drives the "fundamental" differences between us. Because i have family and friends
who were/are atheists it's been a learning experience. And they're usually guarded as to emotions and feelings
behind their beliefs, or lack thereof.  My dad has since passed, and my brother has switch to agnostic. So, the conversation
in that close realm is gone...but still with unanswered questions.

I've noticed that most of you feel that "peace" isn't a virtue at all, and comes from something you do. A physical manifestation.
Most of us can relate to "things" giving us peace. I'm also a musician/guitarist. That, I call my "basket weaving". It keeps me
sane. But also, I do need the peace to formulate inside me, from deep reaches of the soul... or maybe mind. I realize that
most everything is fleeting that is outside. The saying "comfortable in your own skin" comes to mind. I personally need to
reach that place on my own, through meditation and prayer. 

I also noticed a few of you have a "spiritual" side.... and it seems that you need to place yourself mentally in a position to enjoy
whatever it is that gives you peace. That's interesting. I can relate to that very much!

Then there are the dissenters. I find it hard to understand why they are so negative and unwilling to participate in any dialog?
I've determined it's either fear or hate. Fear of revealing anything that might blow their cover and be trapped into something
they can't control. Or, just flat-out hate for anyone who represents God in any way. I realize I'll never get an honest answer
from them... at least intellectually. Part of the experience here.

So, my summary so far is that "peace" (for most here) is considered just another thing that comes from some "source" other than
themselves. In other words; not manufactured, found or revealed from within one self. Just enjoyed by some thing or experience.

Thanks again. Sorry I couldn't answer some of you individually. I'm still a busy guy! When I retire in a few years... I'll hang around
more often! I can hear the collective moan from here! LOL!

P.S. I forgot to mention the people that "use" a [lack] of peace as motivation. I can relate to that too! But, I don't like it unless it's
needed, and where emotion and adrenalin are a necessary element in the situation at hand. It would be total emotion in that case
for me! I would like to hear more from the few who experience this? Please elaborate in anyway you can on the motivations. thx