The Serenity Prayer

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.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
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 with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

To PAPA

Dear Papa,
    It's so nice to hear from YOU. It's been such a long time since I last read YOUR letters. I know you have constantly wanted to talk to me through those letters but I keep on stashing them away somewhere.
    I am sorry I never found the time to pause for a while and listen to YOU. My busy earthly duties and preoccupations indeed have taken a great hold of me that I couldn't even budge. I'm just so thankful that YOU are so patient with me. In spite of mu unwillingness to reconnect, YOU're still there… patiently waiting for me to respond or to simply nod or smile. YOU like it very much when I smile. It warms your heart. It makes you feel alive.
    Thank you, PAPA.
    "For your steadfast love never ceases. Your mercy never comes to an end. They are new every morning."
    I missed YOU a lot. I never realized how much until now. I am sorry for the times I disappointed you or if I continue to do so. I am sorry if I have forgotten you in the despite your wondrous gifts. My heart is aching with longing for you.
    I missed YOU a lot, PAPA. I couldn't write anymore. My heart is racing with words that my hand can't catch up.
    I love YOU, PAPA. So much.

 
                                                     Mao

In silence

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

I shall not fear."

I rant.

I complain.

I cry.

I am stressed, troubled and

Uncertain.

I feel fear.

Hatred.

Betrayal.

The noise confuses me.

Alone.

I am hurt. Unappreciated.

I exhausted myself.

Too tired to even think nor breathe.

 

Suddenly,

You touched me.

And I became still.

The silence is deafening.

It is in silence that you spoke to me.

You were there all along.

Beckoning.

Patiently waiting.

Longing for me.

Loving me.

 

"Suffering is an option,

Happiness is a choice."

What will it be?

To suffer or to be happy?

Acceptance is the key.

 

Come.

Rest awaits in me.

 

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.

I shall not fear."

Retreat expectations

 

Lord, help me to…

    Recharge my spirits;    

    Reflect on the year that was and the year ahead; and,

    Reconnect with my purpose.     

Amen.