THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE

I cannot change the weather, make the sunshine instead of rain,
I cannot by my own efforts change and free a friend from pain.
Yet I can smile and laugh when the rain comes pouring down,
And help someone to have a smile instead of wearing a frown.

I cannot change the men who wish to fight in great wars,
Nor can I go to each dying child, heal their bleeding sores.
But my example I may touch a heart, change it to do good,
Support in some way those who help with clothes and food.

I cannot create a tree, or the pretty flowers that grow,
I cannot make a river or stream that to the sea doth flow.
But I can try to protect all the things on God’s earth,
Help keep the water pure and clear and of great worth.

I cannot stop a raging storm crashing everything around,
I cannot stop a mountain of snow falling in the ground.
But I can pray hard and long for those in peril on the sea
And help those who are house bound who live near to me.

Lord give me the wisdom to understand what I can do
And what is out of my human realm, all my life through.
Guide my heart to learn, to accept and live life the best I can
And know what I can do, by so doing fulfil your eternal plan.

M Ann Margetson © March 26, 2001

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