Serenity on the Journey



He has told you, O mortal, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you

but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?   

Micah 6:8

                                               

As we journey through this season of Lent, I am aware that this is an opportunity to reflect and even evaluate how I am doing with this thing called discipleship.  How steadfast am I on the journey with God in my everyday life?  How faithful am I in following the ways of Jesus – to love as I have been loved by God?  To demonstrate God’s love and compassion in what I do and say. To stay focused on the right priorities.  To have the courage to help build God’s new creation right here and now.  To acknowledge the changes I need to make to stay in the struggle for the long haul.  And to find joy in our journey together.

 

Over the years I have drawn inspiration and guidance and courage by looking at the lives of women and men of faith who have gone before me.  One of those people is a 20th Century theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr.  In his book, Moral Man, Immoral Society, he talks about how to live rightly and justly in a world that so often cares for neither. His prayer, Serenity Prayer, has offered hope and guidance for many individuals and communities, including 12 Step programs.  I share it this day to guide and strengthen us on our journey with God as we seek to follow in Christ’s way. 

           

God, grant me

 Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

and Wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

 

Sally Dries

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