One of my favorite movies is Field of Dreams. So much so that on a business trip to Iowa, I added in a 3-hour diversion to visit the site where the movie was filmed. It was well worth it. Near the end of the movie, James Earl Jones character, Terence Mann, says the line, “for it is money they have and peace they lack”
Peace seems to be in short supply these days. Many of us are anxious, angry, and agitated. We need peace. We long for renewal. I see this blog as a sequel to my last post, Rest & Renewal.
Everywhere we look, there’s compelling evidence that the single-minded pursuit of wealth often leads smart people to do incredibly stupid things — things that destroy what money can’t buy. We spend a great deal of time chasing a dollar because we attached happiness to the dollar. Yet, the myth that the dollar is the foundation of happiness has been repeatedly debunked. In these tough times, people are discovering how much truth is in the adage, “money can’t buy you happiness.”
At a recent MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the vibe he gets when he meets players, “We are living in a time of anxiety,” Silver said. “A lot of players are unhappy.” He notes this feeling of isolation and unhappiness despite the league’s prosperity as well as the players. For it is money they have and peace they lack.
I have always loved the Sesame Street segment and song “Put Down the Duckie.” Everyone is trying to tell Ernie – 
“You gotta put down the ducky–You gotta leave the duck alone to play the saxophone.” Ernie’s ability to make enjoyable music is hampered by his prized possession. In the “Rich Young Man” parable (Matthew 19:16-22) Jesus speaks of the obstacle that riches constitute for following Him. The young man has done what his religious mentors have taught him – live morally and observes the religious traditions of prayer and sacrifice – and according to the popular belief of his day, his wealth is evidence that he must be personally blessed by God. However, Jesus recognizes his connection to his possessions, his ducky, as the barrier to his spiritual peace.
Too often we hear of people who have everything they could want, and yet are desperately lonely. Some of the most peaceful, joyful people in the world are those whose level of “personal wealth” falls below the ‘standard’ we consider successful. Even within our own country we fall into this trap. I have witnessed conversations where elitists devalue the heartland of America based on their standard of ‘wealth’ with little regard to the joy and peace these people experience. When we put our value in something as narrow as money, it only makes sense that we’ll eventually end up feeling worthless.
John Wooden’s definition of success: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.”
When our intentions are noble, we feel peace in our actions. In situations that challenge our integrity, ‘peace’ is the umpire or referee. People with peace in their hearts maintain a healthy version of happiness. We can find honest, sustainable peace and happiness by reaching out to those around us, service. We are all surrounded with opportunities to serve and make someone’s life better.
“We cannot give what we do not have. We cannot bring peace to the world if we ourselves are not peaceful. We cannot bring love to the world if we ourselves are not loving. Our true gift to ourselves and others lies not in what we have but in who we are.” – Marianne Williamson
In 1775, the British General Gage tried to intimidate Samuel Adams stating, “by changing your political course, you will not only receive great personal advantages, but you will make your peace with the King.” Samuel Adams responded: “I trust I have long since made my peace with the King of Kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my country.”
This is where the logic of the human brain cannot always articulate what the heart understands. Peace comes from doing God’s will. As Jesus shared with his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27). Some in our world do not understand this sentiment, Christians should. Peace does come from God and in doing what God asks of us. For more, see my blog, My Peace I Give to You.
“People will come Ray, People will most definitely come.” Once they put down their ducky.
