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| Blue Spruce with Courage Angel - Rita Bourland © 2010 |
Living Courageously
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)
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
These words have comforted so many individuals. I have repeated them to myself on many occasions during times of stress. They sum up quite perfectly and concisely the ultimate challenges we all share as human beings.
The picture above is of a blue spruce tree that was planted in our backyard in memory of my brother, Kennan, who died at age 56 in 2008. He was an intelligent, active, generous, wise man who died suddenly. The tree was planted at Thanksgiving in memory of his life and beautiful spirit. Thirty family members were present for the occasion. It took awhile before God granted any of us the serenity to accept this loss. I'm still not sure I have, but he is gone and that fact can't be changed.
I placed my courage angel on the branches of Kennan’s tree today as a reminder that he would want his family to live courageously. He would want us to face obstacles head on and not give up on our dreams; living with a courageous spirit and changing the things in life that allow us to move forward in positive life-affirming ways.
Serenity is hard to achieve, courage presents its own challenges and wisdom comes with time. This brief prayer asks us to work toward things that are slightly out of reach and more difficult than we might like. There is much in life that can’t be changed and we have limited control over the rest. Serenity, courage and wisdom are perhaps the greatest gifts we can ever ask to receive.
Yes, Rita! And I feel Kennan very strongly in this courage also. Simply a wonderful post. Merci! xo Judy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy. I felt Kennan's presence very strongly today as I took this photo for the blog. He will be a part of us always.
ReplyDeleteThank you, though I thought I had, I still haven't accepted this loss, judging from my reaction to your blog, I read it while at work. He left so many great examples behind I wish I could have had the chance to thank him, maybe one day I will, until then I will honor him by keeping as positive an outlook in life as I could and just be an all-around great father as he was!
ReplyDeleteFrancisco, what beautiful thoughts. Yes, that is the very best way to honor him - you are a great dad! Kennan would be very pleased with how well you are caring for your family. Love, Rita
ReplyDeleteOh Rita, (tear) - this is beautiful (tear) - thanks so much for posting (tear) - Kennan was courageous & he taught us all to be so. (SMILE) :) xxxxoooooo
ReplyDeleteMarti, your feelings are multiplied by our whole family. Kennan taught us all very clear lessons on how to live a noble and moral life. His legacy will always be with us.
ReplyDelete"Serenity is hard to achieve, courage presents its own challenges and wisdom comes with time."
ReplyDeleteSo perfectly said and so very true.
Thank you, Amber. I work at all three and sometimes get close and that's probably good enough. As someone said to me recently, "Perfection is impossible, you're perfect enough." I sort of like the idea of being perfect enough.
ReplyDeleteRita: I think you are perfect enough, too! I loved the picture and the thoughts. The acceptance is finally coming for me and a belief that Kennan left at the right time and, as you all know, I feel he is working very hard on the other side.
ReplyDeleteHe's not felt quite so close the past couple of days and now I know why! He's been with you. Much love, L
Libby, I have a feeling Kennan can be close on many levels to many people now, but I have felt very close to him lately. It is a blessing as are you.
ReplyDelete