I found myself getting bogged down with the news stories of the day and having an overwhelming sense of helplessness and dread rush through my body.
My mentor asked me, What do you have power over?
And quite frankly, it made me stop and think. Truthfully I have power over me; my thoughts and my actions.
Epictetus, a Greek philosopher wrote: "Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. Some things are up to us and some things are not up to us.”
My mentor then reminded me of the Serenity Prayer. The Prayer of Serenity was crafted by American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, it is believed in 1932. He may have been influenced by the words of the Greek philosopher Epictetus.
The Prayer of Serenity invites calm and peace into the everyday decisions and actions we make. Our minds can quickly become overwhelmed by the tasks of the day and the weight they carry to accomplish them. It can be so overwhelming that the mind and body shutdown and we resort to other methods to calm ourselves down.
In order for us to fully take in what the prayer of serenity offers, it is best to break it down into smaller parts.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. What does the word serenity mean? Dictionary.com states, serenity is the “state of being serene, calm or tranquil.
The courage to change the things I can – what is courage? “The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.”
And the wisdom to know the difference – what is wisdom? “The quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
What is change? “To make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone:"
I have found the wisdom and courage to accept change and receive peace from the words in scripture.
God encourages Joshua for the tasks ahead.
Joshua 1:9 “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 2:6-12 tells us of the wisdom from God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly, 8 guarding the paths of justice and preserving the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 prudence will watch over you; and understanding will guard you. 12 It will save you from the way of evil,
Philippians 4:7
Paul reminds us of God’s peace.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We can easily be overcome with the cares of the world but the Word of God and the actions of Jesus Christ are a reminder “to trust in God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Here is the Prayer of Serenity in its entirety.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 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; taking this world as it is and 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.
− Reinhold Niebuhr
My friends, be at peace
27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." John 14:27.
Enjoy Fountainview Academy - I surrender all
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqQvda1Q0xk
For at the end of the day, surrendering to God will provide serenity.
With Blessings,
Mother Michelle Roach+