Monday Morning Manna: Chill with Change!

When I was younger, I had a framed quote on my bedroom wall from American theologian and author, Reinhold Niebuhr: “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.” I liked the thought because I miss-read a word. I thought the word was “sincerity,” not “serenity”. I was willing to be sincere about change, but then I discovered the correct word. Serenity is the state or quality of being calm, or tranquil. In other words, be calm with change, or as a younger generation might say, chill with change. I now find myself eight weeks into a twelve week home-stint as the primary care giver for my wife following her injury, surgery, hospital stay, and time in a rehab facility. While “serenity” is a good quality for a caregiver, it is not one of my top qualities. But I am learning “to change the things I can,” and am continually praying for “wisdom.” Epictetus, an ancient Stoic philosopher said, “Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” Again, be calm with change. I’m trying to understand since the Bible says, “A man of understanding is of a calm spirit” (Proverbs 17:27). Chill with change!

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.