Depending on our news
sources, we're winning, we're losing, or we're not sure what's happening.
Plus, it's pretty clear that much of the world is unhappy with our
actions. Then there's North Korea, terrorist acts in the Philippines, plus
the U.S. economy, which is anything but encouraging.
Whatever our
personal convictions are, world events
like these wear on
us, distract us and worry us. I find myself operating with a
sort of low-level anxiety that's tempting to try and ignore. But it
shows up. For example:
- I want to sleep more -
which for me is a classic signal I'm in denial.
- I'm short tempered at
the silliest things - like burned toast or someone saying no to me, or
even yes!
- I want to DO something
about it all
Actually, all of us want
to do something about it all and for the most part, we don't have a clue
what we can do. So our frustration and fear grow and grumble.
We 12 Steppers, however,
are blessed with some tools.
- We can make sure we're
working our Program
- We can focus on both
the Serenity Prayer and the Prayer of St. Francis
Serenity
Prayer
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.
This has obvious
implications when we get snarled in the chaos of world events. There
are just a ton of things we cannot change - at least not in an
instant. Knowing that doesn't prevent us from taking action; it
simply puts any action we may take in a different, more peaceful
frame.
Of course, the
thing we can always change is our own attitude and responses.
The
Prayer of St. Francis
LORD, make me
an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
Oh Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
What a wonderful vision of what
life and the world could be! When we're truly able to come from this place in
all our dealings, we not only experience peace for ourselves, but we spread the
peace, love, and joy to those we touch, and perhaps further than that.
Finally, we may want to take
some action that affirms life and love. This list comes from Heifer
International... one of the finest organizations on the planet:
- Plant some seeds of change in your
yard or garden. Use the message of Easter's resurrection to spend part
of the day planting flowers, vegetables or trees that will help
regenerate the earth.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset, renewing
your appreciation for our planet's constant source of warmth, energy
and light.
- Take a nature walk, luxuriating in the
beauty, variety and perfect purpose of every living thing.
You may even want to give one of their
Gift
Baskets of Hope.
Love, peace and
abundance,
