God Grant Me the Serenity....

When friends and family are upset and/or confused, I often say, "Remember the Serenity Prayer!" I have repeated these familiar words numerous times when I am going through a tough time, or just when I am dealing with a daily situation that life suddenly "throws at me". 

God 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.

My son Joshua has called me time and time again during an especially hectic work day and requested, "Mom, please say the Serenity Prayer". Of course, I honor his request, and then we discuss what is going on at work. I then tell him I will pray especially hard for him. Sometimes I have even called Joshua with the same request, and he recites the "Serenity Prayer" to me! Although we know the verse very well, it always helps to hear someone else quote it and to know someone else is praying. I also bought Joshua a "Serenity Prayer" plaque for his office for reminders during the day.

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Here's my personal interpretation of this inspirational prayer:

"God grant me the serenity"

God, I really need your Divine peace and calmness to help me deal with this stressful situation.

"To accept the things I cannot change"

This is tough, God, because I am used to being in charge and being in control, and that is not always the case.  It is hard to accept this, but You know that I am trying.

"The courage to change the things I can"

Sometimes I just don't feel very brave, especially about changing things that will affect not only me, but others around me. I know I am sometimes "wishy-washy"! Lord, give me extra strength and courage to make the right decisions.

"And the wisdom to know the difference"

Oh, for the wisdom of Solomon! Sometimes I do not feel very smart, Lord, and it is tough for me to make decisions, so I need your guidance and wisdom every day.

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When I am dealing with a stressful situation, it always helps me to start by thanking God for all the miracles He has performed in our family and friends' lives and for all of the answered prayers. Next, I thank Him for the prayers He is going to answer, and I feel peace that God is in control.

I continually remind myself that I cannot control what is going on around me, but I can control how I respond. 

God, please give me the serenity to make the right choices and do the right thing. Thank you, Lord!