September’s Science of Mind theme is peace. I often think and pray about living in peace, even though it can be challenging to stay peaceful with so much going on in the world and our country.
When I reflect on peace, I think about the saying that has been hanging on my wall since I was a teenager: 
God, grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can and
Wisdom to know the difference.
I don’t know who authored those words, but they have always touched me deeply.
In order to have and live in peace, we need to understand which battles we can fight and which ones we should let go of—just as the saying goes.
I lose my peace when I decide to resist what life may throw my way
Of course, there are many times when resistance is the perfect path. But many times, I go back to the Prayer of Serenity above to see if I have the wisdom to know the difference.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Medrano wrote in the Science of Mind Daily Guides, “Some of the most significant things in my life have been preceded by intense resistance.”
Of course, I find this true in my own life. I resisted divorcing my abusive husband for years, only to find out that once I did, it was the most significant decision I had ever made for myself. I was able to be myself and create a peaceful home for my children. Looking back, I have no idea why I waited so long to do so. This was a time when I had the courage to change the things I could.
That one decision brought a great deal of peace to my life, but it wasn’t easy.
On the other hand, I see that when others around me and I resist circumstances, we cannot change. We struggle to live in peace.
This is when the first part of the Prayer of Serenity needs to be heeded. Some things we cannot change. Trying to do so would be the same as banging our head against a wall, expecting it to move.
Resisting other people’s decisions, especially those who have some power over me or my life only destroys my peace. I cannot change how much the price of basic groceries has gone up, for example. Getting angry at the store or the store manager accomplishes nothing except take away my peace. During times like this, I need the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
Most importantly, I need to heed the wisdom to know the difference. Living in peace comes from making that distinction.