One of my favorite episodes of Seinfeld is when George’s dad, Frank Castanza, opts to manage his anger by screeching “Serenity now!” whenever life proceeds to kick him where it hurts.  

It reminds me of the serenity prayer we’d pray at assembly when I was back in high school:

"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."

I’d feel relieved after saying it, reminding myself that I’m not the only pair of shoulders in this big ‘ol world.

The thought is still intoxicating.  Even when my toddler’s pulling down my shirt in public to reveal my spaghetti-stained bra, my shoulders start to relax when I whisper the prayer. I see my daughter smiling, my dogs playing in the afternoon sun streaming through our windows and my husband telling me I’ve been given this life because no one could manage it better.

Falling

Autumn is
falling leaves
are falling
things are
falling into place
again.
Gone is summer's
siren call;
Fall is about
a return to purpose.
Here is mine:
To serve You
well and always,
in every way
and weather.

"DOES THE SERENITY PRAYER CALM YOU?"