The Capacity to Accept

“The capacity to accept...is an essential part of the discipline.” ~ Thomas Keating

Every morning I spend time in contemplative prayer. Before I begin this twenty minutes of interior silence, I read a small passage from Thomas Keating’s book, Open Mind, Open Heart. I find a line or thought to consider, then enter this time of silence.

This discipline helps me find “the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” This morning, I found a little more capacity to accept.

Sometimes I get frustrated. Or upset. Or mad. And often the things that make me frustrated and upset or even mad are things beyond my control.

This morning, I entered with a couple of things on my mind. Things beyond my control.

I always end my contemplative prayer time with the Peace Prayer. “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…” This morning, I closed my prayer time and spent a moment in silence thinking about serenity and peace and acceptance. I thought about how when I keep an open mind and an open heart, I am better equipped to accept those things that make me frustrated and upset and mad. And I am grateful.

I am grateful for this daily discipline.

I am grateful for serenity and peace.

And I am grateful for the capacity to accept.