Serenity and enlightenment are very similar IMO. When you are serene, you are in the moment, relaxed, accepting reality as it is, not judging, just experiencing.
Between Buddhism and my program I have moved away from concepts like right or wrong and am seeing things more as choices and consequences. Consequences are neither good nor bad but simply the result of our choice. Can't say I see things that way as much as I like but I at least see it that way some of the time.
I like the raft concept a lot as well. The Dharma is a tool, when you are done with the tool put it down. There isn't any need to carry it around any more.
Right now I am still sitting on my raft. At least I spend most of my time drifting with the current rather than fighting it. I'm not anywhere close to the point where I can give up the raft, accept that there is no other side and simply let go and be the river. But I can dangle my feet in the river, relax and say "Dude this is cool, I like this trip".
Your friend,