When watching the grandchildren play, I think, “If only I could harness that energy.” Sometimes I reflect on days long gone when I believed I could change the world. No matter was too big, and no concern was too small.
As any child does, I challenged my parents’ beliefs when I lived at home.
With our own signs in hand, the teachers I worked with walked the picket line to fight for respect, student resources, and adequate workspace.
I confronted my OBGYN’s secretary when she wanted my husband’s name and date of birth for my records. Even after I explained he doesn’t have a vagina, she insisted. So, I wrote a letter to the hospital board.
The day my daughter asked why the signs the road construction workers held read, “Men Working” instead of, “People Working,’’ my father shook his head and grumbled, “You are really screwing these girls up.” So, I guess I challenged his ideas as an adult also.
I wrote letters to the editor about politics, education, community growth — you name the topic, I probably wrote about it. My voice grew louder to be heard above objections while my spirit dwindled from exhaustion, forcing me to learn to pick my battles.
Eventually, I learned that I can’t win some battles and sometimes we must accept what we do not like. It hurts to even write that for others to read because I believe in standing up for what is important, but wisdom comes with age.
Today, a fire is raging near our home in Cascade. We have always called the house in the woods the cabin but in reality, it is our home. We have moved from one place to another in the Treasure Valley but our place in Cascade sits waiting for our return and we always return.
In reality, there is a very slim chance that our home will burn as the firefighters work aggressively to protect structures. However, my heart is at peace knowing that whatever happens will be endured and overcome.
Today instead of writing in protest, I am requesting positive thoughts and prayers for those involved in controlling the fires, anyone who has been scarred by the fire’s destructive power, and everyone whose heart is heavy with worry.
There is a time to accept life and find peace in the present. Maybe saying a prayer is all we can do when we have no control. Maybe if we give up control over the uncontrollable, the result will be contentment and calm.
The Serenity Prayer
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 may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
Life doesn’t have to be a constant battle.