Although I wrote this after I had experienced peace, serenity, and love beyond our human comprehension that resulted in a gift of eternal gratitude, it doesn't mean that I can't experience all of these gifts here, today, right now. For me, when I feel grateful for life being as it is a day at a time my training has a new viewpoint. It's called Serenity and it's kind of cool. Trains are cool too, just not "funky" ones!!

The Serenity Bridge

There are many ways we travel, by land, by sea, by air,
Or our minds can take us far away with a long, blank, stare.

When just a child I’d often dream of places near and far,
So many times believing one day I might become, some kind of famous star.

As time went on, the paths I took did not always lead where I’d hoped they go,
Many times a greener grass led to an eventual depressing blow.

Unbridled anticipation or even careless whims,
Too often resulting in painful solutions in which there is nothing for anyone to win.

You see for me I have learned as time has passed,
Once my head rules my heart, life can become a regretful past.

Too easy for me to focus on a moment I deem euphoric,
Or dwell upon a pain so deep, it freezes my soul, keeps it stoic.

Today my travels are different, they are not led by me,
I surrendered my will to He who sails my sea.

We don’t go far or search the world, for me there is no need,
My faith has been rewarded by the planting of a simple seed.

I have this bridge that guides my life, it keeps me from extremes,
A balance provided to manage joy and despair, much easier than it seems.

Ongoing joy is difficult for most to sustain, not a choice we can always make,
Tragedy occurs without warning, we wonder did He forsake?

I took trip with Him one day and He showed me Eternity,
He whispered in my ear, it’s all a choice, don’t you see?

I have this gift just for you, it’s called Serenity.

Michael Patrick Conway
The Power of Surrender Series
2008
Copyright 2005