Recently, our area has experienced unusual bad weather.

The tornados that ripped through the area two weeks ago left devastation in their path and destroyed many homes.

Last week, the continued rainfall with flash flooding throughout Louisiana was enough to declare Louisiana in a state of emergency. It’s been almost impossible to estimate the cost of the damage caused by the rising water.

As Jeanne and I sat at home listening to the rain with our eyes glued to the TV to get the latest weather report, it wasn’t hard for us to be convinced that Mother Nature has its own way.

I told Jeanne, “It’s times like this that I, with my controlling personality, realize I don’t control anything.”   

Thinking back over the years when I attended a 12-step program for problem drinkers, we opened each meeting with the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Over the years, I’ve said this prayer thousands of times. Evidently, it was just a repetitious practice for me, without much meaning.

My prayer now is for God to give me the wisdom to accept the fact that I can only control my thoughts and the choices I make.

The bottom line is that we can only control ourselves.

My family was protected from the tornados and flash flooding. My compassion goes out to the many people who were affected.

May God give you a peace that only He can give at a time like this and the wisdom to make good choices in all your decisions.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.