Acquiring Serenity
Photo by Karen
I’ve had a week of sense and nonsense–stuff that makes me want to scream and stuff that brings a smile. I’ll list a few, but spare you the details since I feel certain you have your own ‘stuff’ to deal with.
A friend died.
A business I’m dealing with messed up my account.
My fridge is telling me it needs to retire.
Spiders are working their way indoors to get away from the coming cold weather.
Property taxes are due in a few weeks.
… and more yada, yada, none of which is bottom-line important, mostly just annoying or scary. And yet I fall victim to it it because I’m a human being.
Yesterday I went around my house screaming with annoyance one minute and laughing at myself the next because I do know that all things will work out if I just take it easy, surrender to God’s grace, and trust that there is a gift somewhere in the mess, a gift of grace that will see me through.
Then out of the blue I received word from my publisher that one of my books is pushing 500,000 in sales. I screamed again but this time with gratitude. đŸ™‚
I feel like ‘Silly Milly’ this week going from one extreme to another. But in the midst of it all I know that God is in control. I’m not!
So for this week, I’m committed to praying each day, “The Serenity Prayer,” the common name for a prayer written by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.
“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.”
Boy, if I could live by those simple words, life would be a breeze.
P.S. Congratulations to Nancy, who won the book from last week’s blog, In the Kitchen With Grandma.
Yes, the hardest part is, “…the wisdom to know the difference!”
So true. Thanks for sharing what I’m feeling too.
WOW ! 500,000! Amazing-congratulations! Seems to me just the title was enough for me and then when I read it I knew it was a winner!
I agree with Heidi (above) that the hardest part is “the wisom to know the difference”. This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, autho unknown: “Wisdom comes from listening.
Love and blessings as always, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I agree about wisdom coming from listening.
Congratulations on your wonderful sales!!!!!!!!!! There are so many of us who resonate with your message.
I like that prayer too. I have found that I have to choose ahead of time, though, that I will accept things with calmness, no matter what. I can’t seem to discern what I can/cannot control when I’m hyped up about something. Kind of like choosing to live in a constant state of forgiveness with certain people who keep trying to trip your triggers. It saves me a lot of energy that I can and want to use on other things. Love you, Karen!
Thanks, Kristi. I’m with you wanting to accept with calmness things I can’t change–still learning. đŸ™‚
Wonderful news about your book sales, Karen—congratulations! So happy for you. And thank you for your relatable story. I identify and so appreciate your honesty. Thank you for your wise and encouraging words!
You’re welcome, Nancy. And congrats on winning Lydia’s book. Please send me your mailing address so I can pop a copy into the mail for you.
Good job on that book, Karen! I’m glad I’m not the only one that goes from annoyance to laughter from minute to minute. Thank you for sharing!
Great hearing from you, Barb. I continue to miss our working together, but retirement is pretty nice!
Boy, can I relate. My favorite thing to say when things go bad is this, “Looks like I’m getting ready to grow in grace again.” đŸ™‚
Thanks, Jim. I really like what you say to yourself when things go awry! I’ll remember that.