Dear Friends,
It is not uncommon for aspiring authors to send me their manuscripts. They usually do so for one of two reasons: They are either seeking an endorsement from me for their work, or they want permission to reference something from my book in theirs.
I recently received a manuscript from Dan in Mesa, Arizona, who will soon be publishing a book on the insights he has gained from an in-depth study of The Serenity Prayer, by Reinhold Niebuhr. You know the prayer, don’t you? The popularized version reads:
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.*
Similar to the message of joy and ease contained in the song, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” Dan demonstrates how the message in the Serenity Prayer can help you live a life of greater happiness and satisfaction.
What I especially like is Dan’s exploration of the relationship between the words “serenity,” “wisdom,” and “courage.” Although it is true that serenity can help you accept the things you cannot change, it often works the other way around. When you become willing to accept the things that cannot be changed, serenity almost always ensues. From that serenity, your inner wisdom has a chance to arise. And with that wisdom—and the sense of surety that it elicits—comes the courage to take any action that may be called for . . . if any action is called for at all.
So it is with living life in the divine flow:
When things don’t seem to be going your way, and all of your attempts to force a particular outcome aren’t working very well, perhaps it is time to admit that you are rowing against the flow—a current that cannot be changed—and it is time for you to simply accept what is.
From your acceptance comes the sense of peace that is needed to be open and receptive to divine inspiration. And from that divine inspiration, your next right step becomes clear.
Now you begin to row with the flow, rather than against it. Instead of struggling to change the unchangeable, with confidence you begin taking the actions that you not only can take, but should take, and are being divinely directed to take.
In short, when you live a life ruled by the serenity that comes from acceptance, the wisdom that comes from serenity, and the courage that comes from wisdom, experiencing the divine flow in your life is virtually guaranteed.
May your life be one of continual peace, unending inspiration, and constant confidence. That’s my prayer for you, my friends.
Steven
*NOTE: Dan’s research indicates that the original version of this prayer is:
God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed;
courage to change the things that should be changed;
and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Notice in particular the word “should.” It is important to remember that just because you can change something, that doesn’t mean that you should change it. Always seek divine guidance to make sure that any action you are considering taking is positive and appropriate.
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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