Serenity, Courage, Wisdom
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
This past weekend laid heavy on our hearts as the devastation of the flooding in Western North Carolina and the total devastation of a once beautiful and thriving area lay decimated for the world to see. Not an area untouched. All of those sweet little towns with their own vibe of mountain living drew so many from all over to experience only what that area offered. The winding roads, lakes, little shops, roadside stands, and the goodness and friendliness of the locals. Just coming into the fall season—their season! All gone in a flash. A flash flood. No one was prepared.
How does one find the serenity to accept what has happened—is still happening? Well, first of all, returning our focus to what we can control right here and right now. Getting out Saturday morning to work in our Lavender field trimming plants to prepare them for winter. We believe we have lost many of our plants to Hurricane Debby and the rains that followed her. We will wait to see what Spring brings. But our plants should look green and healthy with a second bloom right now. They do not. Although some hold the promise and are green or greening up.
Next, we tidied up a couple of our planter boxes, feeding the pulled up plants and weeds to the goats, and then got cleaned up for a quick trip to town going to the library and the dump (no trash service where we live).
We relaxed a bit after getting home diving into our books. Later on, Roger fed all of the animals while I made some fried chicken strips with rice and broccoli. Soon the sun was setting and it was time to get the pups out for the evening trip around the farm.
It is easy to put things into perspective and to realize how fortunate and blessed we are when we focus on gratitude—being grateful for all the little things. The wisdom to know the difference of what we can control. It’s a wonderful thing—faith and hope—it keeps us grounded.
By Sunday night we had a plan of what we could do. Our church was organizing supplies to take up to the mountains. The response was overwhelming. The goodness of community. It’s one thing America is good at. We gave paper products and canned goods we had stocked up. A 20-foot truck leaves today to Hendersonville, NC with another leaving tomorrow. And we can pray that needs are being met and lives are being saved. Another rescue and restoration project. 💜
I cannot honestly say my serenity has returned 100%, but each day it is better. My heart breaks for what others must endure. Just doing what I’m supposed to do each day is key. The daily home-keeping chores (make the bed, cooking, dishes, laundry, tidying up), my job, care for family and friends near and far, the routine things like watching a favorite series Blue Bloods in the evening, reading before bed. Keeping my head where my feet are.
With this life people, places and things come and go. To learn how to maintain serenity through it all is really more spiritual—a divine intervention. Seek it and you can find it. And the calming effects of Lavender help tremendously!
