What creates peace? What creates chaos? Are these two concepts mutually exclusive? It’s something to ponder on. There are many events that have taken place in the recent past that signify a chaotic world. We can analyze, justify, sit down and cry, or turn away and plead ignorance.

You may ask how these elements combine. I must admit it can be a puzzle… unless you look at it from a different perspective. Tonight, this central theory of chaos and peace lifted its head and unfolded right in my living room.

This evening, as I settled in for a hopefully peaceful evening, I gazed around the room and noticed that, at least for the moment, our two year old and one year old pups were quiet and sleeping peacefully. At this moment, the theory of peace filled our home.

Feeling satisfied within this quiet, peaceful moment, I settled down to work on my novel. A feeling of contentment filled me as I leaned deeper into the sofa’s soft cushions and began reviewing my most recent edits. Unfortunately, at a most inopportune moment, the doorbell rang, and the theory of chaos raised its raucous voice.

The once peaceful evening exploded into the chaotic discourse of puppy talk. One pup barked her repetitive tune at an ear-splitting volume. The other first tried to outdo his sister’s earsplitting volume. Then he started his grumbles as he attempted his “people speak.”

By the time I finally made it through the tangle of dogs and answered the door, no one stood outside, only a package awaited on the doorstep. Disappointed, the pups defensive barking dwindled to weak growls and grumbles. Within a matter of minutes, it dissolved into an utterly still silence.

As I settled back to work, a deep silence surrounded me. The only sound heard was the turning of a page and the ticking of the clock. I sighed for peace had been restored… at least for the moment.