God Grant Me the Serenity To Accept the Things I Cannot Change

This very topic is one that I could most likely create hundreds of pages about considering all the things that manage to eat away at my soul day after day. The serenity prayer is so simple yet such a wonderful guide to life. Lately I have found myself in a mood that extends way beyond sulking. Indifference and angst tend to dictate the way I deal with most everything. Perhaps it is hormone fluctuation. I hear this does happen to men. While an interesting concept, I am not sure that this alone would account for how I am feeling.

I am generally a very optimistic person. Life is an amazing gift and I have a perfect appreciation for the innocuous simplicity overlooked by many. So, the question I have is why ‘the things I cannot change’ overwhelm me? Being human, this is a normal reaction of sorts and for the most part can be expected. Beyond this and diving deeper, I attribute my sensitivity to my fear of becoming apathetic. Just as I think the whirlwind of negative emotion has spun out of control, something wonderful happens that puts me back on track.

Today at 05:55, I was pumping gas on my way to work. I never look forward to my commute which is — on a good day — ninety minutes. Because of the hour and the shop attached to the gas station was closed, I expected to see no one. Parked away from the gas pumps was a man and wife perhaps in their late 60’s organizing items in their car. Perhaps they were preparing for a trip of sorts but all I know is they had a small dog and they were letting it run around freely and I immediately became annoyed because I had to inch up to my pump in fear of hitting it. When I got out — still annoyed — I was greeted to a loud GOOD MORNING! I extended a good morning myself though with no emotion or sincerity behind the words. “Life is great and flawless!” he exclaimed. I responded with well for some I suppose. With that he smiled, opened his car door to get in and said “Well, better than being miserable!”

Yes, indeed. I cannot recall how many times I have actually wanted an encounter such as this. You know, someone greets you with enthusiasm and you return the greeting in return and maybe exchange a bit of small talk. After all, it helps cement the human connection we all need. Today — due to my indifference — I dismissed this man. As I drove away and made my way to work, I realize that this encounter was a gift. I believe in God and therefore attribute this gift from him/it/her. It is a great reminder of the words I should find myself muttering day after day.

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.

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