Things I Cannot Change

I recently checked a friend into a long term alcohol treatment program.  It got me thinking about the serenity prayer, especially that "things I cannot change" part.  I've not had a very good track record for dealing with stuff I can't change.  I've spent way too many nights lying awake worried about problems outside my ability to fix.

This week, a young couple with ties to our congregation lost their baby just two days before the delivery due date.  I don't know them personally.  I do know the family.  I've done a lot of grief counseling over the years, and I've officiated at the funerals of people who went before their time.  But I am at a loss to comprehend the kind of pain involved in losing a child.  Like everyone else here, I suppose, I wish there was something more that could be done besides the offer of company and comfort.  One of our members, a man who has been extremely close to this family for years and actually married the young couple, has been ministering to them as best he can.  I've been praying for him, as well as for the family.