A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my early morning complaint. For several years, I have participated in an early morning water aerobics class with some wonderful, inspiring women. However, every class morning, I wake and ask God why did I agree to do this. I am obviously conflicted. Well, the conflict is gone. I had cataract surgery last week and will have the second eye done in two weeks. Know what that means? No “swimming” for the next four weeks! That means that the summer will be almost over and this is the hottest part of the summer. And we live 20 feet from the beautiful refreshing waters of Lake Champlain. And I don’t have to get up at 7:00 AM three mornings a week. And, now, I am whining because I can’t go to my classes or go swimming in the lake. Too bad, Terri! Here’s what this means for me in my process of developing a relationship with God. Acceptance is the key. Acceptance of things that I cannot change and practice in trusting a loving God to provide direction and consolation. I practice letting go of things that are beyond my control. This situation illustrates that case. Surgery protocol directs patients to stay out of water to reduce the possibility of infection. This makes sense to me, but I promised not to get my eyes wet. “Nope”, says the doctor. “Stay out of the water”. Ok, surrender to a Higher Power is called for here. Is this a hardship for me? No, it is not a hardship, but as often happens, when we can’t have something, the prohibition increases the desire to have it. The lake is right in front of me every day. It looks so inviting. Could I defy the doctor’s orders and go into the water anyway? Of course, I could. To what point? The doctor is giving me the best advice that he has. The risk has been explained to me. It is not one that I wish to take. So, I pray, “Dear Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” And I make a conscious choice to turn this concern over to my loving God. I feel the weight of this decision lifted from my soul. I can leave this concern behind. My eyes will heal safely. My relationship with God strengthens. My serenity level increases. Read Psalm 25 NIV, and remember: God loves you unconditionally! 

Terri