Today’s reflection is written by Brian O’Neill and the banner image is his original artwork.
Wednesday, May 27
My personal experience with seeking and maintain serenity has changed over the years as I’ve grown in my spiritual life. I did a search to see how Google defines serenity and the first result was; the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. That sounds great! I know it would be easy for me to be calm, peaceful, and untroubled on a 75-degree day, no humidity, crystal-clear blue skies, money in the bank and nothing to do but work in my garden and take a nap. When life is working as I think it should, others are behaving as I need them to, and the weather is cooperating with my wishes, then serenity is easily obtainable. But what about when people and world events, like a global pandemic, cause chaos and disruption? How do we maintain serenity in the face of adversity and unpredictability? The answer to that question will be different for each person who reads this and it should be. For me, I turn to The Serenity Prayer. As individuals we all meet the grace that serenity offers within—a breath of hope in your heart between you and God.
The Serenity Prayer teaches acceptance, courage, faith, and the wisdom to know when we need to step back, focus on ourselves and find stillness amidst calamity. Like many other people, I have been dealing with the chaos of NYS Department of Labor applying for Pandemic Unemployment Insurance. Hours on hold on the phone, a website that crashes in the middle of an application, and weeks of no information or payment. In all matters of uncertainty and circumstances beyond our control, we are given a choice to either become disturbed, irate, stressed, or seek God’s serenity. We have a choice as how we feel about any situation. I have relied on The Serenity Prayer many times in the past eight weeks as I navigate an antiquated, overwhelmed system for financial security. Few things give me more anxiety than the fear of financial hardship. I write that because it is important to stress that as we seek serenity it is not to be in denial or avoid feelings and pretend like all is wonderful, but rather to obtain God’s stillness as we work towards solutions. It is through God’s stillness that peace is obtained and my ability to trust and proceed is fueled.
I would love to tell you that each time I prayed, I was immediately transported to a state of calm and acceptance, but that would not be honest. I felt fear, anger, anxiety and worry. I also felt cared for by God, at peace, and safe—things are not always one or the other but usually a combination of emotions. One particular instance I recall, I was on hold for hours trying to get information on my claim and suddenly I got a dial tone. I took a deep breath and said The Serenity Prayer. I was met with a stillness that was the antithesis of my emotional state moments ago. My partner asked me if I was ok and my response was, I am fine, I refuse to have my serenity determined by NYS Department of Labor.
This is just one example of the multitude of life’s events that can send us into a tailspin of emotions. God’s power, wisdom, faith, and serenity is available to us—we must participate and seek. Once serenity is obtained, maintaining it is dependent on our willingness to have a daily faith practice. Sometimes a moment to moment faith practice.
What has been your experience with The Serenity Prayer, if at all? Is there a faith practice that you turn to and gives you a sense of peace, wisdom, or courage?
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.
-Reinhold Niebuhr
13 Comments
Kathryn Franz
There Serenity Prayer for me is like a beloved lullaby…its repetition gentles and calms my soul. I pray that you and all the others patiently waiting for help receive it SOON!
Mary
Thank you
Mary Alice
It is hard sometimes for me to accept what I cannot change. I keep trying and that certainly does not give me peace.
Sarah Brownell
This is helpful as we deal with unexplained and persistent illness at my house.
Judene
I have seen and heard The Serenity Prayer very often, but I’ve never really spent much time really thinking about it or incorporating it into my daily life. Thanks for drawing my attention toward it today (and also The Prayer of St. Francis recently included here too). I will make a concentrated effort to commit their words to memory so that I can reflect on them when I need them.
ALSO — As soon as I logged in this morning and saw the image associated with today’s blog, it honestly took my breath away! It’s so beautiful, Brian! Please know how much I love it and how much I appreciate your phenomenal talent in both your artwork and your writings! <3
Karen Batsford
I am a frequent reader of your blogs, Brian, and I thank you for your honesty!
Kathy K.
My serenity is most often in nature…a good example:
Miracle
On our morning walk, my dog Buddy and I came across a snail.
I almost ended its life with my heavy boots. Its size was comparable to the tip of my baby finger.
I was amazed at how far it had traveled across the sidewalk, leaving a wet streak behind as it went. I stood there waiting for it to move more and yet, I couldn’t see it progressing, even though it was. Such a small creature had traveled so far and it was only halfway through. I wondered then, how long it took to get to that point. I decided to give it a name and gender. He would be called Miracle. Snails can often change genders, which is a miracle in itself. He came out of his shell, which he was carrying with him, to navigate, risking being abducted by all kinds of predators, or swallowed up in one bite, or stepped on.Yet, that did not deter him from continuing his journey. I was astounded by his courage and determination to keep going forward. I couldn’t help but admire his way of life. I felt embarrassed for wanting to be more like the snail. His obvious belief to keep on, regardless of the circumstances, to put it all on the line, to get where he needed to be. His name was fitting. We started to move past the snail and continue our walk. I couldn’t get that incredible experience out of my mind. So many things in my life I take for granted. The snail reminded me to treasure each step that I am still able to take. To go down the path I believe in, even if it means possible harm. Miracle reminded me that sometimes, when I don’t think I can go any further, just look back at how far I have come. I guess we are all on similar journeys. Watching Miracle inspired me and gave me strength to keep going forward. His shiny torso that emerged from the shell let me know he was a true gem from God. Miracle reminded me to stay alert for all the other miracles, that I am constantly walking by.
5-11-20
Mary Ramerman Author
Dear Kathy,
Amazing how much we can learn from a little snail about treasuring life. Thank you for taking us on this journey with little “Miracle”.
Love, Mary
Francene C McCarthy
Dear Brian,
Especially during these unparalled times I find myself repeatedly needing to stop, breathe, pray and take a walk. Thank you for your beautiful words and heart.
Love and peace,
Fran
Karen Keenan
Thank you Brian. The serenity prayer has felt like a lifeline for me. I like how you say it is not to be in denial, but to experience God’s stillness as we work toward solutions. I need to remind myself – daily- that the thing that I can change is my self. Changing my atmosphere by entering that place of stillness brings me peace, and then I can have the presence of mind to ask for God’s help and to trust. Of course,I may fret and worry and obsess before I remember the serenity prayer! I have the it posted in my kitchen so I have a daily reminder.
Gerard Pritchard
I love this! The serenity prayer is my favorite, and just what I needed today!
Colleen Fox-Salah
Thank you, Brian, for reminding me how important even the briefest prayer can be. My daily practice is often a muddled mental mess, so I have to have faith that the regular act of reaching for God is enough to be transformed.
Mary Q
Thank you Brian, for the reminder of that wonderful prayer. When I started my recovery journey, it was instrumental in learning to rely on faith, have patience and trust that there was a bigger picture that I had yet to see. I am losing my dear co-worker due to a COVID layoff. I am heartbroken. But I depend on the Serenity Prayer to remember there is a bigger picture and grace leads me to acceptance. And sometimes, when the Serenity Prayer is too long, my prayer becomes, I can’t, You can, please do. Thank you for the meditation.
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