Acceptance

Alchemilla in the garden I planted as a teenager, Tuesday morning

missprune questioned the aphorism that "You're never given more than you can handle." I question it, too. I'm reposting my comment, because it is a relatively concise statement of one of my core beliefs.

I've struggled with this same question ever since giving up my evangelical faith. One only has to look around to realize that for the masses of humanity things only occasionally work out for the best. Christians believe that whatever suffering we have to endure is only part of the journey on the way to a reward in the afterlife. But I have come to believe that is an empty hope; that the present is the thing we have to hold onto, and make the most of, and that if things don't work out happily it's just a damn shame. I have found some consolation in the philosophy that everything will pass—both trials and joys, life and love, war and beauty, even this world itself. Fighting with it doesn't help, but acceptance offers us the best chance of enjoying whatever washes over us.

This should not be read as apathy, or an excuse to stop working to improve our circumstances. But whatever the outcome of our efforts, we are best to receive them without bitterness.

I'm going camping.