I’m child of an alcoholic. Actually, both my parents were alcoholics. They conquered it before they passed away, but if you’re a child of an alcoholic, you know the damage it leaves behind.

In the chaos and fighting that occured while growing up, I searched for a sanctuary. As a kid, it was sports; later it was drugs and (unbelieveably) alcohol. Still later, I found my true Sanctuary and Hiding Place: Jesus.

But one thing is an obvious result of growing up a child of an alcoholic: I must have peace. I crave it. I ache for calmness. My home is generally a peaceful place. Anyone who has stayed there for any length of time can tell you that. When it’s chaotic, it drives me crazy (and anyone who has stayed there any length of time can tell you that, too). Because of the unpredictability that is inherent in alcoholism, I need structure and predictability. I like routine.

For this reason, I seek out peace. I seek calmness. I purposely look for ways there can be peace in my life. Motorcycling and what it brings allows that. Waking up early in the morning and reading and praying, before anything and anyone is moving, does that.

Yesterday afternoon, I went to McCormick’s Mill and Farm on my bike. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been there before. Drove past it countless times, but never stopped. Yesterday I did. Wow, what a peaceful place!

Maybe you con’t identify with what I’ve said. I’m a bit neurotic, I know. But it’s also another reason I love Jesus. He has brought true, lasting peace. Peace from guilt. Peace from my past. Peace in the midst of turmoil. Peace. Perfect peace.

Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)