A good word for brokenhearted parents on Thanksgiving is SERENITY.

What do we need when we’re sad and discouraged?

We need God’s peace and calm to fill in the cracks of our soul.

This is the full version of The Serenity Prayer. You may have heard it many times. Many of people only know the first portion, the most popular part. If you’ve never heard the entire prayer before, you’re in for a treat. The concepts are powerful.

During one of the difficult years with my daughter, I printed out several copies of the whole prayer and put it in various places around the house: on my bathroom mirror, a kitchen cabinet, and the wall beside my desk. Those constant reminders were essential for my well-being throughout the day. If you do an online search for printable versions of The Serenity Prayer, you’ll find a variety to choose from.

What is serenity? A deep, abiding state of peace and calm; an untroubled heart and mind;a soul at rest; tranquility, quiet; the absence of chaos and turmoil.

Dear parents, the kind of serenity we want is one that’s unaffected by our external situations, by our child’s condition, or the status of our relationship with them. Only God can give inner peace with heartbreaking losses and deep disappointments. This peace is a fruit of the Spirit given to us by Him.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… (Galatians 5:22 NIV).

The Spirit of God living and dwelling in us, producing His character and beauty in us is what brings true serenity. God’s peace and tranquility, His peace and calm are what we nee devery day … but especially now, on Thanksgiving Day.

The Serenity Prayer, Full 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 will be reasonably happy in this life;

And supremely happy with him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

-Reinhold Niebhur

Music that Gives Me Peace

Music gives me peace too. These are some of the songs that fill my heart with calmness and serenity. Most of them have no words. For me, this kind are more relaxing when I’m stressed. Hymns are great too. I hope at least one of these songs will be peace-giving for you.

Three instrumental pieces by Michael W. Smith: A Prayer for Taylor, Carol Ann and The Blessing

Redeemer by Paul Carsdall, pianist

A Thousand Years and The Mission/How Great Thou Art by The Piano Guys (piano and cello)

Be Thou My Vision sung by Nathan Pacheco

A Prayer for Today

God of peace, help me make this my prayer today and every day. I want more serenity and calmness in my life. I need You to create this state of mind and soul in me . . . and in my child. May I live to see the day they make The Serenity Prayer their heart’s desire too. Today I may not feel thankful, but I will choose to give thanks anyway because I know You love me and are with me. Now that’s something to be give thanks for.

***Which part of the Serenity Prayer stands out to you?***

Happy Thanksgivng and may God bless you with his abiding peace.