More so than at any other time that I can remember, we are living in uncertain days. We simply do not know what each week or day will bring. Short-term planning is often put on hold because we cannot predict what our situation will be in the next two months.
The Serenity Prayer was written in 1932 and has been a source encouragement over the past 90 years. This week, I am sharing the prayer with our students in Chapel, and I’d like to share it with you as well, and explain what it means to us in this current uncertain time.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…There are some things we cannot change. We may not like them, but unless we can accept them we will expend much emotional energy to no avail. We do not like having freedoms taken from us, but whether we like it or not, ‘it is what it is’. This prayer asks God to give us serenity to accept these situations.
The courage to change the things I can change…Just as there are some things over which we have no control, there are also things that we can change. If needs be we can change our attitude, we can work towards helping others improve their situation, and we can alter our priorities. At times, change does require courage to confront something we do not like. Being a change agent often carries a cost and that’s why we pray for courage.
And the wisdom to know the difference. We need wisdom to know the difference between what we can and can’t control, otherwise we might spend much time growing frustrated trying to change something that we should be accepting. We need wisdom and patience every day, but especially in these days.
May God’s peace and wisdom be with you all. I know that for some these days are particularly challenging. Be kind to others as well as yourself.
Grace and peace,
Gerry Riviere
Senior School Chaplain
