Serenity

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I can not change;
Courage to change the things I can;
and the Wisdom to know the difference.

I came across the Serenity Prayer as a teen and it completely changed my outlook on life.  I was struggling with so many issues and didn't really have anyone to talk to.  At that point in time, it was rather taboo to speak about obvious family dysfunction.   My parents were divorced and mom was working a couple of jobs to maintain.   I had a few good friends of course but talking to them was like the blind leading the blind.  Besides, what plagued me was far too serious to share over bubble gum.
My mom brought home a plaque with the prayer written on it.  Upon seeing it, I thought it was such a silly saying to print.  I couldn't imagine why she liked it.  As days, weeks, then months went on, I found myself reading it every time I passed by.  It began to irritate me because I'd become so fixated.  I would dare myself to even think of it.
Then one day I arrived home from school and the silly little plaque had fallen onto the floor.  I picked it up and as usual I began to read.  Only this time  certain words seemed to stand out.  As I read each line, I applied it to my life and situation.  Finally, this little plaque was able to convey the message intended.  My heart began to race and my palms were sweating.  I was gifted a new hope and deep appreciation for days ahead. 
Often (ALL) times, we are armored with the support and tools we need to get through every situation presented to us in life.  The only problems is we're usually so unaware or too dismissive of its presence.   Who knew that simple annoying little plaque would encourage me to Happen to life rather than let life happen to me.