May 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.
-Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) 

I wonder how many of us have uttered these words in moments of despair; either for ourselves or for those we love. Niebuhr’s prayer holds so much wisdom; simple yet profound. We embrace the strength that prayer offers; especially when life seems anything but serene.

 Often the source of our suffering is our thoughts. The negative messages we have internalized, crucify us. We may condemn ourselves for perceived wrongs that if turned inward can culminate in self-loathing. It is hard to see someone hurting and feel powerless to help them see how beautiful they really are.

Love is our resurrection.

 Love does not judge because all  God can see is the light of our essence. We too can learn too see with Love’s eyes and offer kindness and forgiveness to ourselves along with others. I believe that God is conversing with us all the time, whether through a conversation with a friend, a song we hear, something we read; a call for help, they are all threads connecting us.

 This week, I received an outreach call from a 39 year old woman in great distress who was inquiring about our services. She was in a hospital and was anticipating going home. Although she had been on hospice she wanted to transition to palliative care and resume treatment. The hitch was her oncologist would not order her pain medications and she was reluctant to go to the outpatient clinic where she did not think she would receive compassionate care. She was very tearful. I listened and tried to explore options. She decided to stay with her current care provider. I encouraged her to call me anytime if  I could be of help. She never offered her name.

 She has been on my mind all week. I only wish I had asked her name and phone number so I could try to figure out a way to make things happen for her remove the barrier. I believe God sent her my way to be of help but I did not come up with a solution to her dilemma in the spur of the moment. Unfortunately, I missed the mark and it has heightened my awareness to the importance of recognizing these God given moments.

 Perhaps, there will be someone that God sends your way today. Pay attention. We do not always get a second chance.

 -Liz Sorensen Wessel

Watercolor by ~liz