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The journey from hope to acceptance

ESCANABA — As we travel the highways and byways of the constantly-changing journeys of our physical and psychological lives, we encounter multitudes of roadblocks, detours, and even landslides that alter our course. I have experienced this numerous in my life, and have spent countless hours worrying and musing on how I could have changed things, or hoped that they would have changed. These problems stemmed from relationships with friends, co-workers, and/or relatives, to other areas, such as work, financial matter, et cetera.

I am not saying to always give up hoping for change. But, there comes a time when we spend countless hours, days, and years hoping that things will change – and it does not. So, how useful is this? Each of us must answer that question individually.

To hope for something could be a measure of control. By that, I mean you may want the outcome to be a positive benefit in your, or someone else’s life. After a period of time, if this doesn’t come to fruition, resentment could begin to seep in, fester, and eventually transform into anger. When this happens, it is like an infection; if gone untreated, it begins to grow and transform into something larger. Then, the cycle continues while you wait and keep vigil.

However, there is another avenue which you may wish to explore. To this day, I continue to struggle with this, but what makes a difference for me are two big words: awareness and acceptance.

1.Awareness – Recognizing, through prayer and self-awareness, that much of your time is absorbed in hoping for change is monumental. One aid in this process is to document it, writing in a notebook what it is that you are hoping for. Then, through a concise, concerted effort throughout every day, identify all those events that you find yourself hoping for specific changes. Once you have determined that this activity is no longer productive, you will be ready for the next step, which is acceptance.

2.Acceptance – Acceptance can arrive only after awareness has been recognized and understood. It is a mindset that allows you to release the feelings, ambitions, and frustrations that center around changing people and situations. This mindset permits you to let go and leave it in His hands.

I have personally experienced the journey from hope to acceptance. It can be a constant conflict until it is resolved. When it is, you will be able to move forward in your own personal and spiritual growth. I have included a portion of a prayer that I use in my daily reflections that aids me in this quest. Part of it is as follows:

Prayer of Abandonment by Charles de Foucauld

Father, I abandon myself into Your hands; do with me what You will. Whatever You may do, I thank You: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only Your will be done in me…

Please remember, it is in His time.

——

Dan Paul is a retired school administrator. His columns, which explore relationships, are published monthly in Lifestyles. Comments may be submitted at meaningfuldifferences.net.

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