My New Year’s Resolution For Many Years To Come
Posted: Friday, December 30, 2011
by Susan Thom
I had been struggling with some problems for a while, when a good friend of mine reminded me of the serenity prayer.
I know this prayer well, and have used it many times, but somehow, I forgot to incorporate it into my life today, and on a daily basis. Everything I need to know is in this prayer. It is a clear cut way to live one’s life. But you have to remember it first!
What can I change for the better? I may volunteer my time or simply listen to a friend pour their heart out. My advice may help them solve a problem they’ve been straddled with.I spend a lot of time trying to decipher what things I can change, and what I cannot. And if I can’t change them, can I make them better? Can I focus and concentrate on the problems for the day, and leave yesterday’s and tomorrow’s problems on hold?
There is a great deal of wisdom, in my opinion, in knowing what one can change, and what one must leave alone. In knowing, there is peace and fortitude, and in not knowing, there is confusion and sometimes anger.
I love reciting, "God grant me the serenity." He’s the only one who can, and to ask for His help, sheds light on whatever the problem may be.
"Grant" makes it sound like it can be achieved if we simply ask, and do our part. We are asking for a favor, and in return, we will try to behave as wise human beings.
It’s difficult to accept things that are hurtful or harmful to us and our spirit. Knowing whether we can change them or not takes thought, and at times, guidance.
However, if we stick to the serenity prayer, our lives will become more manageable.
We all have prayers, poems, and Bible quotations we like, that help us in our time of need. The serenity prayer is similar. If we apply it to our everyday living, and not just in times of need, we can be assured a happier life.
It takes practice, but once it is a constant in our life, we will feel stronger and more at peace.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Yes Susan the serenity prayer has helped many get through difficult times in their lives.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi david,
i need to remember the meaning behind those words, and live them.
thank you for reading and commenting,
my best,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Thanks for this, Susan. Great advice and something we should all have hanging on the fridge as well as in our heads.Please log in to respond to this comment.hi nancy,
thank you for reading and commenting.
i also think it would be wise to have this poem somewhere it can be seen daily.
my best to you,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I think that a copy of the serenity prayer should hang on a prominent wall in everyone's home- to be viewed and read everyday. It's a guideline to living life-and a lifeline to life itself. Good article Sue- enjoyed reading it. Thanks- Always EllaPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi ella,
thank you for reading and commenting.
i have a plaque with the serenity prayer, and i'm going to move it to my computer desk. i need to remember the meaning, and apply it to life.
my best to you,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Thanks for the comforting read. from a friend of Bill'sPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi jack,
i'm glad you have support for this crazy life we lead here on Earth.
the knowledge i gained from being a friend of bill's is astronomical.
thank you for reading and commenting, it is appreciated,
my best,
suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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