Peace is a reward for a positive attitude. What actions can you and your spouse take today to ensure that peace rules within the walls of your home?

May peace be within your walls. Psalm 122:7, NASB

One side of our corner lot is completely natural, with lots of trees growing all the way up to our deck. However, the landscaping on the side of our home next to the street is unfinished, so it's not the best view from our deck.

David was enjoying being outside one eve­ning when I came out to join him. He'd completely relaxed after work and was at total peace. But I'd been out only a few minutes when I totally ruined his peace by my attitude. I have a tendency to be a person who sees the glass as "half empty." When I came outside, I could see only the things wrong with our backyard. I started complaining over what we hadn't accomplished instead of enjoying what we had. David challenges me to see life in a more positive way. As I do, I find peace.

The psalmist's desire for "peace within your walls" highlights a prin­ciple that peace "within" precedes peace being extended beyond. In our ministry, when we talk about Christ's great commandment to love God and our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40), we often highlight the fact if we're married, our nearest "neighbor" is our spouse.

David and I often say that it seems that Great Commandment love must begin at home. If Christ's love is not working at home, it's hard to take His love and peace beyond our "walls." Establishing peace and love at home continues to be a hard-fought battle—but it's well worth the effort.

Peace is a reward for a positive attitude.

What actions can you and your spouse take today to ensure that peace rules within the walls of your home?

Father, allow Your love and peace to rule within the walls of our home, so that we may take these things to our "neighbors."