Sooner or later everyone arrives at a point where life seems to have become too big to cope with. Life is never truly too much for us, but it can seem that way. When this happens, we must regain our focus and perspective. And it can be regained.
You may think of the world as vast — 25,000 miles around and outer space filled with unknown worlds. But practically speaking, your world is your home, your workplace, and your town. Even if you fly to India, Paris, or Hong Kong, your world is no bigger than the interior of the airplane and no farther away than the nearest airport.
You may regard the world as teeming with millions of people. In reality, your world consists of those you live with, work with, and know personally.
The menacing future — shadowy days and years — can feel overwhelming. But you live only one moment at a time. One breath at a time. Stop living in a tomorrow that may never come. Plan for tomorrow, but live today.
Problems
Life often feels like one problem after another. That is life. Some problems are of our own making — trying to solve everyone else's troubles, offering unwanted advice, and attempting to please everyone.
You cannot help people unless they want help, ask for help, and are willing to receive it. Even then, you can only help them help themselves.
You cannot please everyone. Trying to do so only brings exhaustion and disappointment. Charity begins at home. Enlightened self-interest is part of human nature.
No one can hurt you unless you allow it. Practice turning a deaf ear to irritation and criticism. Decide not to let others control your peace.
Acceptance
If you cannot solve a problem today, accept it for today. Acceptance is the source of serenity and peace. It is sometimes called surrender — bowing to the inevitable.
The practical formula for acceptance is found in the Serenity Prayer, written by :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Ask for the ability to take people and circumstances as they are when they cannot be changed. We can seldom change others — but we can change ourselves.
If there is something you can do today, do it. If not, accept it and let it go.
The Kindness of God
Divine providence is the mystery by which good can come from suffering or injustice. Free will allows human beings to choose wrongly. Without free will, we would be machines.
Even injustice can become a source of growth if accepted with faith. Acceptance does not excuse wrongdoing; it means trusting that good can emerge even from difficulty.
Suffering
Happiness does not come from satisfying every desire. Even if we could, we would not be content. True happiness comes from aligning our will with God's will.
Suffering, though difficult, can refine us. Daily annoyances, disappointments, and frustrations form part of life’s cross. Yet through them comes growth, peace, and maturity.
Contentment
Contentment is not getting everything we want — it is enjoying what we already have.
We are alive. We can breathe. We can see, hear, feel, and think. Even in hardship, there is something to appreciate.
Do not postpone enjoyment. Live and enjoy now.
Lord Save Us
God is wise, loving, and powerful. When we admit our weakness and surrender control, peace enters.
Place yourself in God's hands each morning. Trust that whatever unfolds can serve a greater good.
Acceptance becomes a daily prayer.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardships as the pathway to peace, 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 in the next. Amen.