Tranquillity. Do you know what they call a hammock strung between two pine trees here in Florida — a moving mosquito target. Some say that the mosquito is our state bird. The strange thing for us is that in our part of Florida, mosquitos are rare. I call the hammock tranquillity.
What is your mind’s eye picture of tranquillity? Maybe it’s a day’s vacation — for your boss! Maybe it’s a day all to yourself — no kids, no spouse — just you. For me, this picture sounds good: sitting on the porch of a mountainside chalet in Switzerland overlooking a valley of lush grass while listening to old records of the YPCA quartet! (some of you younger ones are asking, “what’s a record?” Ask grandpa.)
Dream your own tranquil setting, but for most of us, that’s all it will be — a dream. The goal is to discover tranquillity right now in real time. Paul had the right idea when he said this in Philippians 4:11 (NIV) “… for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Don’t you wish we could reach that state? Notice that he said “learned.” It doesn’t come naturally — you have to work at it. It’s a worthy goal.
I believe that our personal tranquillity come first from a strong faith in God through Jesus Christ, but also through an attitude change that allows us to look for the positive things in life and dwell on them. There’s a lot of negativity in the air — avoid it! Tranquillity is achievable — go for it.