Serenity in Winter
I have always been a great fan of the Serenity Prayer:
“God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
courage to change the things we can,
and wisdom to know the difference.”
It is used not only at AA meeting, but throughout the church. The author of the prayer was Reinhold Niebuhr, an American pastor and theologian of the last century. His original prayer continued
“Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.”
I am one who believes in the power of prayer, but that prayer is not some magic bullet that offers instant results. Prayer is always based on the ongoing relationship we have with God, and God’s expectations for us. There are things we are meant to change and we need to discern what they are and our role in the change. Whether at home, at work, or in our congregation, there are attitudes and behaviors that we can change. Asking for God’s guidance in our relationships and daily life is critical to healthy change.
Which brings us to those things that we can not change, like the weather. This winter started early and will probably be around at least two more months. I know that I can complain about it, but I am asking for serenity to enjoy this day as a gift from God. I believe there might be some wisdom in that.
How has prayer shaped your life this winter?
Pastor John Keller 
Prayer has shaped my life this winter by getting me through a major health crisis on my mother’s part. After being admitted to the hospital with acute CHF symptoms, it was found that urgent heart valve surgery was required. She came through it and has made a great recovery. I credit it to God’s healing power and the prayers of concerned family members and friends.
Thanks be to God for that healing and recovery. I am praying for wisdom and patience as I give care to my mother, who recently entered a memory care unit nearby. She has Alzeheimer’s Disease and I try to discern how best to love and support her in her life journey at age 85. I am thankful for the prayers of others who support me in this.
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