The Serenity Prayer. So much wisdom in so few words.
The first sentence is well-known, but have you ever looked at the rest of the prayer? It’s filled with meaning and is equally beautiful.
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen. ~ Reinhold Niebuhr
Read through it again. Only this time, stop for just a second after each line and let the words seep into your mind, heart, and spirit. Wow! That’s powerful!
This prayer is all about enjoying, loving, and living in the moment. But it’s also about embracing the fact that this life is temporary. While we’re here, there will be challenges. We can’t fix and make right everything in this sinful world – but we can fix some things – or at least make them better, if we have the courage to do so.
We can’t change a starving nation – but maybe we can feed one child.
We can’t change a dangerous neighborhood overnight – but there might be a way to start by giving one kid a chance.
We can’t change a hostile environment at work – but we can be kind to our co-workers.
Alone, we can’t change the environmental destruction happening on the planet – but we can do our part by recycling.
We can’t change the reality that we will always have the poor – but perhaps we can donate funds and/or volunteer at shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks to make it easier on those who are struggling.
We can’t change the fact that horrible illnesses cause financial, physical, and emotional pain – but we can be there to support those who are sick with our love, prayers, presence, and help with daily tasks.
We may not be able to change others – but if we have the courage – we can change those things in ourselves that are not healthy or loveable.
I’ve taped the Serenity Prayer in a space next to my computer.
My plan is to read it every day.
My hope is to live it every day.
Do you want to join me?
Blessings for a great week!
Dawn
wow, I am in a relationship with an addict and he introduced me to al anon and I am learning things about me that I never knew before. I am having the hardest time in my life with the most wonderful man but I was not doing too well because this was too much for me. I have been growing in this new me and i am seeing things and believing in a higher power (that my addict boyfriend reintroduce me to) and my life is taking a very interesting ride right now. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad this was helpful for you ... and that you felt comfortable sharing what you're going through.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I've learned is that we can only do what we can do, and then we need to leave the rest up to God and His control. It can be difficult to let go because of fear. But, God sees the bigger picture, and He really does know what is best for us.
My hope and prayer for you is that you continue to grow - and that your ride continues to be interesting to the point of being thrilling!
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you, this is exactly what I needed to hear tonight and after reading your post I feel a sense of peace and serenity. My husband and I have been dealing some minor challenges in our relationship due to financial issues and lack of emotional connection. We have also been lacking in our spiritual closeness with the Lord. As I browsed the net for some kind of inspiration I'm so glad GOD brought me to your post. I feel like these words have lifted me from my dark place and giving me energy to try and make the best of what I have. Instead of listening to my delusional thoughts of what could've, should've been and what I can do to change the future. thank you from the bottom of my heart!
ReplyDeleteMaisee,I'm glad these words encouraged you.
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to give you a peace that passes all understanding.
Blessings,
Dawn