“You must teach your heart to accept what cannot be changed.” ~ Unknown
The Serenity Prayer is used by many people and several self-help groups. Almost all of us are familiar with a portion of the prayer that is most quoted: “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.”
The truth of the matter is that there are things that we cannot change. That is disturbing to some because we try to assert ourselves throughout our lives doing the best we can to be masters of our own worlds. We think that we can be in control and that we can change things that are not to our liking. That is only partially true.
There are things that we can change, yes. However, there are also things that we have absolutely no control over. To even think that we can change those things provides incredible stress to ourselves.
I’m not saying that we should not attempt change in our lives. Change is often quite necessary for growth. I’m just saying that we need to discern what is changeable and what cannot be changed so that we have a better chance of growing.
As you look at your day, try to determine what is changeable and what should be changed. Then, make your plans and be on your way.
FAITH ACTION: Ask God for the gift of discernment today.