Serenity Prayer

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The Serenity Prayer
Reinhold Neibuhr

God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as a pathway
to peace, taking this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will, so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen

It is perhaps the most freeing prayer in the world-recited by countless individuals-seeking surrender, acceptance and the peace that comes from knowing that a higher power is perfecting our imperfections.

My oldest son Johnny is having trouble accepting--many things...including the surrender when the stain of sadness lingers still...but I believe-that one day at a time- time will heal the wounds of division and strife that separates and divides one human being from another. It doesn't always come as fast as we'd like, or as completely as we want, but it comes slowly and surely- if we keep coming back- to the belief that with God-all things are possible.

At 23 it seems like my son should get the good things that are in store for him...the plan that God is waiting to roll out along the red carpet before him--but sometimes-for some people- it takes a little more time to get with the program...because often times some of us -simply need more time.

Lucky for us-God is patient and kind and willing to let us go -just long enough for us to learn to Love ourselves and one another- so that we can clearly see--the beautiful gifts that this life has to offer.

On my journey I've learned that acceptance brings peace and peace brings about change and the serenity to make the choices that God has in mind for us. The right choices-for the right reasons...at the right time---We simply need to surrender ourselves...and let God's saving grace- do the rest. It isn't always easy, but it's always the best way...and the only way to get where we're going when the going gets rough ...and the surest way to get our happiness in this life...and especially in the next.

Comments

Lilly said…
It is hard to come to that place of acceptance but we must and we get it eventually. Its kind of easy to slip back though. I like your view that it just comes to some harder than others as perhaps there is more for us to learn. Lets hope he gets all his lessons early on in life and can walk that red carpet very happily. I think its harder for the Y generation than any before them in many ways. The expectations they have a far higher which if well directed is not a bad thing. The Serenity Prayer is a much loved one for me.
October 04, 2008
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