These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Serenity Prayer for a Cold Christmas

The Serenity Prayer:
"God grant me
the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can &
the Wisdom to know the difference."

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A white and cold Christmas comes
to blanket all the continent.
We're looking at the snowy sums
to find a place to compliment.

"But it's not like that mostly, Friends.
The snow is just an afterthought.
This frigid cold quite truly rends
all peaceful travel tickets bought."

That's Ryan Hall, the shade-tree coach
of all things weather related.
He says the coldest sure approach
must not be lost, nor understated.

"Dear God, I ask You grant me true
the Wisdom to see truth each day.
I'd like to change what I can do,
accepting what I can't, I pray."

The difference between making change,
and waiting for God's Hand to work
is wisdom known to rearrange
the hopes of peace from words of "shirk."

"Dear God, we pray for a peaceful end
to this great storm, that tempts us fear.
Please, keep our loved ones safe and send
Your angels making our way clear.

"Please, help us do the things we can
to bundle up and eat some food.
Please, help us save by greatest plan
our pets and elders for their good.

"But what the weather does is Yours.
We rest upon Your Ancient Grace.
Each life, that's hid in You endures
down here or in Your Lasting Place.

"For Wisdom's Peace in You is best.
You work through us to our best task.
You show us, that in ev'ry test
in Hope to rest. It's all we ask.
In Your Great Name, amen."

God keep you, Dear Friends, further north
as we endure what is to come.
The other side may He lead forth,
restoring Life's abundant sum.

by Jay O’Toole
on December 22nd, 2022