When my daughter had her first child, Serena Selah, I was baffled by the name choice until she said it meant, "Serenity with God." I love that.
Serenity is something on short supply these days of hustle and bustle and distraction at every moment of our lives. We push on, press through, and survive our lives instead of taking time to enjoy them. Recently, I too fell into the daily grind of life and decided to take a break from it all and spend some time with my horse Chancy (Pictured).
Chancy or "Second Chance" has been with me most of her life. I found her when a friend of mine wanted to purchase her as a 6 month old from a pony-mill (much like a puppy mill but for horses). She stood alone in a 8x8 stall and had never been handled. My friend stepped into the stall and reached down to lift the pony's foot for a closer look at an injury that had become infected. The pony reached back and bit my friend on the forearm, causing her to scream and run from the pen cursing that she will never buy such a mean horse. I was standing safely outside of the stall when this happened and saw the pony's reaction. There was no anger in her eyes, no pinned ears, only a reaction to a unexpected stranger's touch. Consequently, after I took my friend home, I went back and purchased her. I named her Second Chance because I saw how 25 horses were stuffed into a one acre backyard and it broke my heart. Chancy, as she has become fondly known, has been a life saver and a blessing to many.
In 2008, I became certified as an Equine Specialist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA.org) model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. When I graduated with my degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, I became duel certified through the EAGALA model. For many years I worked with Veterans, Foster youth, Domestic Violence, and others by bringing them into the arena with horses. There is nothing as special as the connection between one of God's creatures and humanity. It truly is serene to watch and to experience.
"God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other."
The Serenity Prayer
Take a time-out and spend some time with an animal of your choice. A dog, a cat, heck even a lizard--all have personalities that can compliment our own. Take time to look at and enjoy the time you spend with your pet and notice them. Really take a look into their eyes, see their souls and get to know them on a deeper level. You might find serenity waiting for you in the sound of a purr, a wagging tail, or the nuzzle of a nose.
Day 24: Serenity