I am fascinated by the word “equanimity.” It can be defined as “mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.” As in the sentence “She accepted the good and the bad with equanimity.” Another word for equanimity might be serenity. It may be what St. Paul meant when he said “I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content. (Philippians 4:11) I take seriously the ideal that Paul is speaking truthfully, but it is not a state that I have yet achieved. While I have increased my level of patience as I have gotten older. Nevertheless, far too many insignificant things I still give the power to upset me. In the midst of life’s frustration I long for serenity or even equanimity. I hope that I will always be passionate for the truly important things of life. I always want to care deeply about justice and compassion and peace. But I would like to rise above the petty irritations of life. Perhaps a key to that kind of life is found in the words of an old gospel song “When streams of life are ‘round me beating, when rough the path that I have trod, within my closet door retreating I long to be alone with God.” If that can work for the great storm of life perhaps time alone with God can help us keep perspective on important issues of life and rise above the petty irritations. I do know that often in worship I find the smallness of my concerns are caught up in the larger mission of the faith. Together we remember what is truly important and rededicate ourselves to making the main thing the “main thing”. It is when I recognize the presence of God with me and with us that I am closest to not just equanimity but even to serenity.