A dad wrote: I just got back from visiting my son in Texas. It was one of the best visits I have had with him. So why am I having so much trouble getting through the holidays? I think it is the result of my expectations and waiting for the next shoe to drop. I find myself focused on the future and ruining a time of the year where I should be so thankful he is alive, let alone appearing to be doing well.
I found a prayer that gives me peace.
PARENT’S PRAYER
I free you from my anxiety, from my personal idea of what constitutes happiness for you. I trust the spirit of God in you, to guide you, to show you the way that is right for you, your highest good, the way that means happiness and success for you.
I place you lovingly in the hands of the Father. I stand by in faith; I refrain from imposing my will on you. You are God’s child you are here to fulfill your own purpose. As close as I am to you, as much as I love you, I cannot live your life for you. Your destiny, your place, your fulfillment, is between you and God.
I know that we are one in God, and that as I trust God in my life and trust him in your life, all will be well!
Today’s Promise to consider: During this holiday season, many of us are suffering in excruciating ways. Life isn’t easy, but prayer provides some serenity. Today I give thanks for my many blessings. My family and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Libby, for this beautiful picture and meditation. I love the ‘parent’s prayer’ and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Reading it once has already given me a sense of peace, comfort and liberation.
Merry Christmas and God bless you and your family.
Love,
Nanci
Libby wishing you and your family a Blessed Christmas. Thank you for your Thursday meditations. We all feel like at times that we are the only ones hurting. My son is doing good today. Be thankful for the smallest of joys. My son came last night for Christmas Eve. He wasn’t high. I try not to think about what he does when he doesn’t visit. Teddy needs a miracle and hoping our love and Gods love will prevail. Thank you.
Dear Libby,
What a beautiful prayer. Thank you for sharing it with us. I agree with Nanci. The ‘parents prayer’ has given me comfort today. Thank you.
I wish you, and your family, a very blessed Christmas.
All my love to you,
Barbara
P.S. – what a beautiful church picture. It looks like a church that should be in Italy.
Libby,
That is a wonderful prayer.
Once I found my own recovery I prayed a similar prayer over and over and over. Getting our of my addicted child’s way and God’s way brought my son’s recovery date closer.
Merry Christmas friends!
The Parent’s Prayer does provide comfort, and I’m grateful for this. The dad, who sent it to me, received it from a member of his Al-Anon group. We help each other, and the circle goes round.
Barbara, you are correct about the location of the church. It’s in Florence, Italy, and the church is the Duomo, the major cathedral.
We join together in prayer and gratitude. We’re stronger in unity.
My love to you all,
L
It’s so comforting to hear that someone else is feeling what I’m feeling and is able to so precisely put it into words. Thank you for the Parents’ Prayer. Definitely words to live by. It will be ingrained in my memory to prevent me from imposing my expectations upon my son and instead, as Joanne said, “be thankful for the smallest joys.”
May the new year bring peace of mind to everyone. ~ Karen