I can't stand it when things don't go my way...but here's a prayer that helps

Lord, I take all you give,

and I give all you take.

--Mother Teresa

I heard this prayer, attributed to Mother Teresa, while watching TV Mass one evening. 

I had just, unwillingly, but wisely, declined a writing project with deadlines extending from May through September.

The assignment involved research, connecting saints to acts of mercy in today’s world. I love good news stories. There are so many selfless giants right in our midst.  

When asked to do the project, I quickly responded: "Yes!" 

Within hours, however, I realized upcoming cancer treatments and the resulting debilitation would conflict with my ability to the meet deadlines.   

I wrestled with the fact that I wanted the commitment, and that the project would be enriching, but in the end, I knew I couldn't deliver. 

I cringed, composing my declination email. This wasn't what I wanted. I love writing. I love projects like this. Fighting tears, I pushed the send button.

I was angry that I had to relinquish something I wanted so much.  

Then, along comes this prayer:  Lord, I take all you give and I give all you take.

It couldn't have surfaced at a better time:

Twelve simple words...They changed everything.