Wisdom to know the difference

This is my third year of college, I should be breezing through these last few semesters right? Regardless, this semester has tested my patience in many ways and has literally drained me in more ways than one. However, through all of this craziness, a lot of positive things have surfaced as well. Three of the most important things that I have learned this year are that I cannot do everything, I cannot be in more than one place at once, (regardless of what A Walk to Remember tells me) and most importantly that I have to learn to accept the things that I cannot change. It has been very difficult for me to accept these things but slowly and surely I am making improvements. 

So, I cannot do everything. This seems like common knowledge, but for me it definitely is not. I like to be involved in everything that I possibly can be, and tend to stretch myself very thin. I would encourage those new to the college life or getting ready to start college to definitely get involved, there are so many amazing opportunities and ways to get involved in things that you are passionate about. However, pick and choose wisely! Too many obligations WILL stress you out. So get out there and get involved but remember: You cannot do everything, because you cannot be in more than one place at once.

Which brings me to my next point. Although it was cute when Landon took Jamie to straddle the state line of North Carolina and Virginia allowing her to "be in two places at once" this gives us an unrealistic hope that we can do everything and be everything and everywhere. Don't get me wrong I love being involved in everything that I am, but I am thankful that we are not able to be in two places at once, because of the fact that I might go crazy!

Now if you haven't read anything up until this point PLEASE listen to this if you are in any way stressed or frustrated with anything! It will be worth your time I promise. The one thing that has allowed me to get through this semester without going completely crazy is the prayer of serenity:

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.

The three lines that I have highlighted really made me stop and think. It sucks accepting things that you cannot change, I have had a really hard time with this especially this last year. I struggle with why bad things happen to certain people who in my mind don't deserve it; but I have come to realize that me sitting here and obsessing over why things happen and even complaining or being upset about them is not worth my time. I have learned to stand up for what I believe is right, say my piece, and move on. This is easier said than done, but I am working on the third line daily, asking God for wisdom to know the difference between what I can change and what I cannot, and for Him to give me a peace of mind either way. I encourage you to try it out. Next time you are faced with something that bothers you, no matter how mad you are, STOP and THINK: Can I personally change the outcome of this situation? If the answer is yes or even maybe, by all means go for it; but if you know nothing you say or do will change what is already done, find someone to vent to, and move on so that you can continue to enjoy this crazy, tragic, almost magic, awful beautiful life that you have been given.