to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Most of us have heard this prayer at some point in our lives, and if you haven’t, well there it is, at least the first part of it. It’s the “things that I cannot change” part of it that’s been on my mind recently.
I haven’t received my authorization to work from immigration yet, and it’s Thursday. I’m supposed to start work on Monday. Short of a miracle, I’m not going to make it. If I don’t make Monday’s orientation, I have to wait until March to start work, by which time I am assuming my authorization will be here. I am frustrated for so many reasons. Everything else is ready to go, except for that little piece of paper that says “Go”.
This is one of those things that I have absolutely no control over. Nothing I can do can expedite the process, or change anything. All I can do is wait. I’ve made the requisite phone call, and got the standard reply – “Your case is being processed, please call after 30 days if you have not received a reply.” I have done all there is to do from my end.
Anyway, I started with the serenity prayer for a reason. I have always believed there’s no point whining about things we cannot change, or getting too worked up about things we have absolutely no control over. Because all the emotion and angst we put forth won’t change anything, just make us and those around us miserable to no end. This is one of those things.
On a closing note, for those of you who may not be aware of it, the serenity prayer is more than just those few lines. Below is the complete version.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
Reinhold Niebuhr
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