the elders often said, "we will understand it better, by and by..."

i'm finding this to mean that there are some things (i.e. events, people, etc.) that aren't meant to be understood in the present. if you're to have some measure of peace, they're simply meant to be accepted.

when we accept something, it doesn't necessarily mean that we agree with it. definitely doesn't mean that we like it. it just means that we realize that there is nothing we can do to change it. in other words, "it is what it is."

when we practice acceptance, i.e. accept what is, we begin to think of how to make the most of circumstances as they are, not as we wish they would be. we take on the challenge of living, growing and thriving, even in the midst of disappointment.

when we practice acceptance, we realize the limited natures of our insight and foresight. we begin to depend on the Spirit of discernment as we feel our way though uncertainty. we open up to the grace of God to guide us through that which we never could have anticipated.

when i practice acceptance, i also practice resilience when i decide, "even though it's not what i'd planned, i'm gonna figure this out." acceptance doesn't mean that you know what's going to happen next. it means that you begin to flow. to move in faith. to adjust.

this year, i had to practice acceptance every single day. many days, i failed. but, i did learn an essential lesson:

acceptance is all about adjusting to what is, letting go of what isn't, and being open to what could be.

you just might be pleasantly surprised.
#2020taughtme