I had the opportunity to attend my Merwin cousin reunion on Saturday in Mason City. These are a handful of relatives of my Grandma and Grandpa Merwin, mom's parents. They had fifteen children and 39 grandchildren. Since the family lived in a number of cities and states over the years, I have cousins who I know and others who I only know of.

One cousin to whom I was reintroduced was Scott who now lives in Indiana. Employed as an engineer by a major manufacturing company, he told of his 'experiment' of driving to and from work, a few years ago when gas topped $4 per gallon.

"Because my commute was about twenty minutes, I wondered how much gas and money I might save if I drove slower," he said. "I decided to drive five miles an hour under the speed limit." He said he chose not to ever leave the right lane and allow faster drivers to go around him on the left. If he got behind a semi or some other slower moving vehicle, he would drive even slower.

What did his experiment find after a number of days doing this? "I was surprised that the amount of gas saved wasn't that much. But what I did find, is that I arrived at work more relaxed and able to take on the day." He also said that the amount of time 'spent' going slower:  3 minutes!

I couldn't help but think of how much we want 'peace' in our life. Sometimes we pray and ask God for it. Then what do we do to contribute to that peace?

(Jesus speaking):

''I am leaving you with a gift --

peace of mind and heart!

And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives.'"

~ John 14:27 LAB

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