Many things in this life I can’t change – but some things I can change – even though they don’t always stay changed.
Monkey Grass comes to mind: A hardy plant here in Dallas it’s great in the right places because it is resilient and prolific, which it makes it a problem, too. What is a useful plant in some places is like a pesky weed in another section of the yard. It takes vigilance, patience, the right tools, and time to eliminate it – for a spell. Its roots seem everywhere given the right conditions. Just like some of my impulses, opinions and actions – not all bad, but sometimes where they pop up isn’t constructive, or attractive.
Applying what I learn doing the things I love, like gardening, to tending myself — especially in the autumn of my life — is a persistent theme in my humble blog. Admitting the need to change is easy – actually changing, not so much. Could it be, the purpose of my old pulse seems to be: try again!
God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it’s me. ~Author unknown, variation of an excerpt from “The Serenity Prayer” by Reinhold Neibuhr
Changing me is like taming monkey grass – sometime my strengths become troublesome, and sometimes my weaknesses can be opportunities to change. But, giving over my control of my life to God doesn’t get easier in old age – still, as options narrow, it is becoming simpler.
You’re all I want in heaven!
You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful. (Psalm 73:25)
Who could we be if, we changed the things we could and stopped doing the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome?
We’ll never know until we stop crying, “No, never!” when we realize it’s time to make that change. (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 108)
If you would attain to what you are not yet, you must always be displeased by what you are.
For where you are pleased with yourself there you have remained. Keep adding, keep walking, keep advancing. ~Saint Augustine
Do you ever have days dear reader when the idea of changing even one thing seems impossible?
I sure do!
But – this good day is a gift, and so, too, is the chance to change some things I can – again:
- Cultivate acquaintances, and friendships with care; plow up very rarely.
- Enjoy more what is – prepare, but worry less about may come.
- Listen more carefully, especially as my hearing fades.
- Speak gently, especially since nobody needs a speech.
- Laugh more, whine less.
- Extend compassion, limit judgments.
- Forgive more, forget more.
Platitudes?
Perhaps. . . . What do you think?
Such good words!! Applicable in any season if life. I’ve got plenty of monkey grass in my life, too!