A forum for discussing matters of moment, from a curmudgeonly perspective. (The ideas posted here do not necessarily represent those of any organization with which I am a part). Rude and insulting remarks will not be published, but civil disagreement is welcome.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Three Errors
1. Trying to change what can never change. 2. Not trying to change what can be changed. 3. Not knowing the difference between 1 and 2.
Yes, this was inspired by Niebuhr's famous prayer. Can you name it?
"God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other." --Reinhold Niebuhr
Troy didn't tell me you had a blog. Heard about it in the pulpit at Bethany when one of your poems was read before prayer. Am praying for Becca and you.
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. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will;so that that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen -Reinhold Niebuhr
The Serenity Prayer:
ReplyDelete"God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other."
--Reinhold Niebuhr
the serenity prayer (recovery or 12-step prayer)
ReplyDeleteSounds like the Serenity Prayer to me...
ReplyDeleteTroy didn't tell me you had a blog. Heard about it in the pulpit at Bethany when one of your poems was read before prayer. Am praying for Becca and you.
ReplyDeleteHere is the full version of the prayer:
ReplyDeleteGod, 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.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will;so that that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen
-Reinhold Niebuhr