“2026 is going to be  
renowned for the  
development of the  
largest El Niño  
in living memory.” 
Britain’s Met Office

There is something unsettling about knowing that something may be coming but not knowing exactly what it will be.

Meteorologists warn us that extreme weather is likely headed for California. U.S. meteorologist Ryan Maue predicts, “This ‘Super El Niño’ will be perhaps the strongest in 500 to 1,000 years.” If his prediction proves accurate, some communities could face torrential rain, flooding, mudslides, and damaging storms, while others may experience surprisingly dry conditions. We can study forecasts, watch weather patterns, and prepare for various possibilities, but ultimately, we cannot know precisely what the coming months will bring.

In many ways, this uncertainty is a metaphor for life.

We spend a great deal of energy trying to anticipate what is around the corner. We make plans, do what we can to protect ourselves, and imagine different scenarios that might play out. There is wisdom in preparation. If heavy rain is possible, we should clear gutters, inspect roofs, prepare emergency supplies, and pay attention to local warnings. Prudence is not fear. Preparing for what might happen is common sense. But preparation has its limits. Eventually, we reach the boundary between what we can control and what we cannot.

That is where The Serenity Prayer becomes particularly meaningful:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.“

We cannot control where a storm goes. We cannot determine how much rain will fall or which neighborhoods might flood. But we can prepare our home. We can check on elderly neighbors. We can keep emergency supplies available. We can listen carefully to those responsible for public safety. And perhaps most importantly, we can prepare ourselves emotionally and spiritually for the uncertainty that lies ahead.

The greatest preparation may not be predicting exactly what will happen. It may be learning how to respond emotionally and responsibly to whatever happens.

The Serenity Prayer invites us to hold two seemingly opposite ideas at the same time: acceptance and action. Acceptance does not mean doing nothing. Courage does not mean believing we can control everything. True wisdom lies somewhere between them.

Whatever weather lies ahead, our task is the same one we face every day: do what we reasonably can, let go of what lies beyond our control, remain attentive to the needs of others, and trust that when tomorrow arrives, we will have the wisdom to ask, “Where is God in this?”