O Boy, That is Good!

Michael* came to live at Luther Special Care Home about a year ago. He had been successful in his career and the primary breadwinner at home when he was suddenly struck down by a debilitating illness. He had been a very independent person but today must rely on the help of staff to perform many of the tasks of daily living.

Michael describes himself as agnostic but is open to exploring his spirituality. Every Sunday he sits in the greenhouse adjacent to the auditorium where Sunday worship is held-just close enough to hear through the open door.

“The Serenity Prayer,” (the longer version) written by Reinhold Niebuhr, is particularly meaningful to Michael. He always asks me to say it with him when I visit. On one occasion he exclaimed, “Oh boy, that is good!” adding, “I don’t understand why but whenever I hear it, I feel peace.” The meaning of the prayer continues to unfold within him, like a beautiful flower. I cannot help but feel that Michael is becoming a new creation-no longer defined by the limits of his body but by the freedom of Christ’s Spirit at work within him.

*name used with permission

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. Amen. — RF