Wisdom to know the difference
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.”- Reinhold Niebuhr
This well-loved prayer offers an insightful reflection for personal growth. At the heart of it lies a vital skill we all need to develop: the wisdom to know the difference between what’s within our control and what isn’t. It’s the balance between knowing what to take action on, and what to release.
Change: What You Can Control
Personal growth begins when you recognise that some things can change and often, those things start with you. Your mindset, your habits, your decisions. These areas may not shift overnight, but they are within your power. Awareness is the first step, but it requires courage to take action. Whether that’s setting new goals, creating better boundaries, or showing up more consistently, you just need to take responsibility for your part.
Acceptance: What You Can’t Control
Some things are simply beyond our reach—other people’s choices, the past, or unexpected events. Learning to accept what you cannot change doesn’t mean giving up; it means letting go of the frustration that comes from trying to control the uncontrollable. One of the hardest truths to accept is that you can’t change people. Other people’s choices, growth, or willingness to evolve is their responsibility—not yours. You can help people, pray for them, and even influence them, but it’s not your job to fix or reshape them. Knowing this will enable you to place people in your life accordingly or choose to move on entirely.
Wisdom: Knowing the Difference
The wisdom to know the difference is what keeps you from wasting energy trying to fix the unchangeable. It’s not about giving up or admitting defeat—it’s about being purposeful with your energy and channelling your efforts where they will produce fruit. Discernment helps us act where we should, and let go where we must.
It’s not always easy, but this balance results in serenity – real peace. As you journey through personal growth, ask God for the wisdom to change what you can, release what you can’t, and walk in the freedom of knowing the difference.
