I was talking with a friend the other day about how her life had changed in the last 6-7 years. I asked: "What has changed so much?" Her response was that she loved being "awake" to what was truly going on in her life! Awake in her relationships with her kids and family as well as being awake in her relationships with her co-workers and what made them "tick." And, being awake to what was happening in her life and why....
Think of it: being awake means being aware - aware of your surroundings, your lifestyle, your choices, your gifts and talents, and your strengths and weaknesses.
I have learned over the past 17 years that awareness is an incredible concept! Only if we are aware of a problem, can we solve it, resolve it and/or change it! Only if we realize there is something we need to change can we change it! Only if we know we have an issue, problem or concern can we do something about it! Only if we are conscious of something can we make a different choice or make a difference in our little corner of the world.
Imagine - if each person took responsibility for being aware of their own issues and focused on overcoming them or resolving their own issues/problems - how different the world would be!
Let's take it one step further:
Awareness, Acceptance and Action are the three "A's" that improve our lives!
Once we become aware of an issue or concern, then as we accept it, we can simply acknowledge it as real, and finally we can we take action to change it!
The Serenity Prayer is one that is universal in nature - no matter what situation a person is dealing with, the Serenity Prayer can become the avenue that creates a change in our attitude and then, offers the potential resolution of a problem, concern, or issue. Awareness can bring healing and wholeness as well as forgiveness to our hearts and relationships.
If you don't know this Serenity Prayer, I hope you will write it down on an index card and scotch tape it to your bathroom mirror until you memorize it!!!
Seriously: Try it - it works!!!
God,
Grant me the Serenity to Accept things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And,Wisdom to know the difference.
Ahhh....what a difference this prayer would make in so many situations in my life! In every person's life,
IF people were just aware of this prayer and the promise it holds for each of us - day after day, moment after moment.
What a difference it would make in a person, in a family, in a school, in a church, in a city, in a state, in a society, in a government, in a country, in our world!!!
What a difference it would make if we were dedicated to pray it each day!!!
Do I see a glimmer of hope in your eye? Create the awareness today in your own heart!!!
