The Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change:

I am powerless over other people

I cannot force my brother to see reason

I cannot force my (ex)sister-in-law to be tougher or more open

I cannot force my son to care more about academics than friends

I cannot force my husband to see things the way I see them

I cannot force my daughters to put me before their own families

I cannot force my boss to be tougher on the people at work

I cannot force the people at work to work as hard as I do

I cannot shoulder the store and its cleanliness on my own

I cannot put work number one and put family number one

I cannot protect my son from everything all the time

I cannot predict when things will break down

I cannot keep things from breaking down

I cannot change the things I have done in the past

The courage to change the things I can:

I can control my spending

There is really no excuse for not doing so

I can ask for help from God to keep focused

I can force myself to pray every day even if its just for a minute

I can force myself to speak only encouragement

I can focus on the positive

I can work towards taking care of the stuff I have, including my body

And the wisdom to know the difference:

I can only control my own actions

I can control my own reactions

I can wait a moment before I speak or act

And consider my overall goals

Then act accordingly.

I can accept that I wont always do everything perfectly

But I can learn to recover from mistakes and go on

When a problem seems too big, I can break it into little parts.

Cravings are only cravings and temptations are only temptations. I don’t need to act on them.

my nana taught me a different version of that but its still touching. and calming

what a beautiful prayer. your family is already under the wings of God. don’t worry about putting work or family first- put God first and all things will be in his perfect plan. bless you.

Hey, thanks for the note and you are right about the man change thang..just talkin…not actin… did you write this entry for me…I know it is for it but it was so helpful to me..what an inspiration you are. thanks

thank you for the note, i’d have to say that’s the best compliment i’ve ever received on my writing! i too have to remind myself of the serenity prayer, when i feel disillusioned with society.

i read your note to oblio and i’m so glad you spoke! i would’ve said even more! i feel bad for m! everytime i read you i identify with you more! :o) *p*

What a powerful, honest, and moving entry. Thank you.

A good other version of that prayer- individualized! Thanks for your sweet note. As to why of our trials & tribulations- the devil and evil the reigns in this world, not God, dear one. Love to you,