“Sharing causes, conditions and the truth about yourself will allow a Higher Power of Love to enter your heart.”

Three readings. A song that says the rest. And inspiration for whatever this day is here to teach.

A lone surfer riding inside a great curling wave

Read — the readings that opened the day

Desert Banquet

David G.R. Keller

Recovery is meant to re-educate and identify ourselves in a positive, inclusionary way. Yet, even after a while, many of us still do not know that we belong and are loved by our very nature. Transformation to a positive loving attitude takes effort, patience and a willingness to confront roadblocks. It also takes courage to open up and share the negative messages we play over and over; to get rid of false beliefs by depending on the advice and experience of others.

Meditation for the Day

Hazelden Foundation

You were born with a spark of the Divine within you. It had been all but smothered by the life you were living. That celestial fire has to be tended and fed so that it will grow eventually into a real desire to live the right way. By trying to do the will of God, you grow more and more in the new way of life. By thinking of God, praying to Him, and having communion with Him, you gradually grow more like Him. The way of your transformation from the material to the spiritual is the way of Divine Companionship. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may tend the spark of the Divine within me so that it will grow. I pray that I may be gradually transformed from the old life to the new life.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

When my sponsor and I first read about my self-centeredness, being the root of my problems, he pointed out something I still use when I’m sponsoring others, and to help correct my own attitude. “Look at and read what it says after selfish self-centeredness.”

“Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity, we step on the toes of our fellows and they retaliate.”

Then he said something even more important. “Steve, you didn’t decide to become an alcoholic, it’s not your fault. Now that you’re clean & sober, make a list of your fears and why you have them; share your delusions of grandeur & negative thoughts; write out how & what you’ve chased to try and make you happy; and write down what you’re angry about and share it. Sharing causes, conditions and the truth about yourself will allow a Higher Power of Love to enter your heart.”

It seemed to have worked for him, so I gave it a try. And it still pays dividends with new layers of acceptance, freedom & love.

What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God. A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, ‘a design for living’ that really works.”