Lord 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. - The Serenity Prayer
This single prayer changed my life. Learning to simply
accept the circumstances and things over which I have no control has helped me
to understand that I am but one part of a greater universal plan.
There are
many things I cannot control that used to control me. A delayed flight which
left me stuck in an airport for countless hours used to frustrate me. Like so
many others, I’d get bent out of shape, constantly nagging the airline staff
for updates and pacing the floor of the departure lounge as if my doing so
would change the outcome of my delayed flight.
Instead, the only outcome I succeeded in changing was the outcome of my
day.
Finding the courage to change the things I can has empowered
me to speak up for myself when I am being wronged; to walk away from danger or
temptation and to admit mistakes while taking corrective measures.
Courage doesn't come easily – it takes practice.
Lots of practice.
The first time you stand up to your fears or your
nemesis you may not like the experience; but if you push through the nausea and
discomfort you will find yourself stronger and more courageous the second time
around. The more you face that giant, is the smaller the giant becomes. The more seasoned a warrior is, the less likely he is to be killed in the battle.
Some battles are not worth fighting – leave them on the
battlefield. Some battles cannot be won – walk away. Some battles require
intense warfare – fight. Having the wisdom to know the difference between those
things you can and cannot change helps you to make your fighting
decisions.
- You cannot change people. You can only change yourself. They have to want to change themselves and effect that chaunge.
- You cannot change the weather. You can only change your attitude towards the weather.
- You cannot change the color of your skin (no matter how many times you tan or bleach it). You can only change the way you feel about the color of your skin.
- You cannot change your past. You can only change your future.
The Lion went to find the Wizard of Oz to get courage. In his search for the Wizard he found that courage was within him all along and the Wizard was a washed-up half-crazy dude. There is courage within you. Dig deep. Change the things you can change and use wisdom deal with those you cannot change. Peace lives in the midst.
Blessings!
Judi
