Shalom: Finding Peace and Wholeness

 

WHAT IS SHALOM?

In the summer of 2015, I joined with other mothers online to encourage each other as we juggled the many different areas of our lives. The first writing prompt we were given was the word Shalom. Since my #oneword2025 is peace, I thought it would be fun to revisit that post. This is an updated version of the original.

Shalom is a Hebrew word often used when saying goodbye or greeting someone. Its simplest meaning in English is peace, but it really is so much more. After a little research, I found out that shalom also means being complete, whole, or sound, and has to do with well-being.

SHABBAT SHALOM

As I thought more about shalom I was reminded of a special meal we used to have on Saturday evening when our kids were younger. We got the idea from friends who gave us a printout to follow for each part of the meal. It was patterned after the Jewish Sabbath meal and included readings and scriptures.

First, we prepared the food, set the table, then cleaned up and changed into nicer clothes. As we gathered around the table, I lit a candle to begin the meal. With bread, symbolizing sustenance, and wine, the fruit of the vine, we began the meal with a prayer of thanks.

As I lit the first candle I thanked God for sending Jesus as the light of the world. Then we prayed that we would also let our lights shine.

Next, my husband went around the table saying a blessing over each of the children. Then he read a couple of verses from Proverbs 31 as a blessing over me. Every time he read it, one of my daughters would just look at me and beam. It was so precious as the light of the candles reflected from her eyes full of so much love and admiration. It was quite humbling to me and really touched my heart.

At the end of the meal, one by one, we would wish each other a happy or peaceful Sabbath by saying, "Shabbat Shalom."

Yet, life goes on, and as our family grew, it became more difficult to prepare a big meal, change into nice clothes, etc.  Eventually, we stopped doing it altogether.

I look back fondly on that time in our lives, realizing that it was one way we found shalom in our family life.

WHAT HAPPENED TO SHALOM?

Many years have passed since then, and our family has had many ups and downs. Being a mother can be difficult at times, though I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Yet sometimes we mothers might feel like giving up. I remember being exhausted, frustrated, and losing my temper at times.

We mothers often think we don't have time to stop to rest, read a book, or create something. In reality, we don't have time not to do those things. Just a few minutes taken out of our day might be all that’s needed to make a difference.

Would Shalom have shown up more often if I had taken the time to properly care for myself instead of pushing to the limit?

If I had practiced gratitude rather than complaining would we have experienced more calmness?

Would Shalom have shown up more often if I had taken the time to notice the good in each situation?

What if I had looked for beauty in the ordinary things right in the middle of life?

HOW CAN WE EXPERIENCE WHOLENESS?

To experience wholeness, we need to be true to the person God has made us. We are all uniquely made, created in the image of God. He has given each of us talents and desires. I don't think we are meant to forget them as we raise our children.

I believe if we take time to be refreshed by stopping for a cup of tea, creating art, writing a poem, or whatever calls to us, we will be better able to fulfill our callings as wives and moms.

My children are all grown now. Some have families of their own and some live with us. Our oldest son has preceded us to his heavenly home with Jesus.

We all may have gone in varying directions, but we have the underlying knowledge that we are loved by each other. I believe that is also a way Shalom shows up. There is a sense of security and well-being when you know you have family who are always there for you. Yet even if you feel all alone, the Lord has promised never to leave you.

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. Psalm 27:10

FINDING SHALOM AGAIN

These days I am learning to find shalom/wholeness again. Since my true identity is in Christ, in Him I am whole. He gives me the strength to do the things I am called to do. These include being a wife, mother, and grandmother, but also pursuing desires I believe God has put into my heart.

There is no need to be afraid of failing or worry about what others might think. It's okay to fail, because every time I do I learn something. With God's help, I can improve each time as I keep trying. Working hard for something can often give us more appreciation for it.

 I am finding more joy and peace in life as I...

• spend time with friends and family
• write poetry
• read my Bible and other books
• pray and write out some of my prayers
• take walks and enjoy nature
• listen to music
• write books
• paint or draw
• work in my art journal
• look for beauty in unexpected places as I go about my day

When I originally wrote this post back in 2015, I had no idea I'd be a published author in 2023 with my first book Journey Into Light: 30 Days Adventuring with God. Or that I would currently have another book almost ready for publication. Both were a lot of hard work, but through it all I have learned more about how to depend on the Lord and wait for His timing. I pray that my work will encourage others no matter what situations they are facing. God is always faithful even when we doubt. He is the author of peace.

The Lord gives his people strength; the Lord blesses his people with peace.  Psalm 29:11

What about you? How do you find shalom or wholeness in your everyday life? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I'm linking up with: #LetsHaveCoffee