Collected

I think about the old phrase, “stay calm, cool, and collected.” It’s funny because I sit here in 70 degree winter weather (I’m not cool), and I’m half Italian and the loudest, most excitable extrovert I know (I’m not calm). But collected? I love this word. 

Collected. I think about gathering up all my emotions and concerns–collecting them from every corner of my mind–and tossing them out the window. Then I collect every truth I know about God’s perfect peace. 

I gather the pieces into peace. I build a fortress, brick by brick, of God’s peace that Jesus leaves us and gives afresh every day. 

I collect it and stay collected.