“I came to believe that my disease was a calling, not a curse”

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

A Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

Miracles arise from a mind that is ready for them. -A Course in Miracles “There is a debate among Biblical scholars as to whether God actually parted the Red Sea for Moses, or if it just happened to be low tide? Was the occurrence natural or supernatural? It doesn't really matter - it was a miracle, nonetheless. If you showed up at the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, and you were able to get across by the hand of God, low tide, or the Staten Island Ferry, you would be ecstatic to escape. You'd thank God, no matter how it manifested itself. A Course in Miracles suggests that each day be devoted to miracles. Keep your mind, heart, and eyes open for ‘coincidences’ and events that override the expectations of the fearful mind. We ask to open to God’s everlasting Love & Care. Today, God, give me a childlike heart and to be miracle-minded. Open my heart and mind to recognize You everywhere, and for Your miracles in everything.”

Touchstones Daily Meditations

Touchstones

“Our Higher Power speaks to us in a quiet, subtle voice, which can easily be ignored until we learn to listen. It takes courage to listen to this inner voice. When we listen, we develop relationship with an unsuspected, positive and loving Force moving us into recovery. We are still powerless over many things, but we can make active choices in how we will grow, and how exactly we will respond. Today, let me be guided in my choices by my inner voice.”

The Infinite Way, pp. 59-60

Joel Goldsmith

"Meditation is the door to the realm of the Soul, and inspiration is the way. As we learn to take five or ten minutes each morning, noon and night to sit quietly with a listening ear, as we turn within ourselves and learn to wait for the still small voice, we acquire the habit of meditation. We continue to develop skill in its technique until inspiration possesses us, and leads us to the haven of our Soul."

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

I have often been reminded by my sons how many times I use the word “miracle.”

Early on in sobriety, I realized that alcohol & drugs were not my real problem; they were my solution to my fear, resentment, anger & shame. I became dependent on the meetings, the Big Book, and my sponsor. I came to believe that my disease was a calling, not a curse; a calling to develop the “unsuspected inner resource” and “vital sixth sense” talked about.

To get in touch with that, I had to, and must continue to, clear out the static that prevents hope, love, and a sense of security to settle in my heart.

That inner voice, that vital sixth sense, has allowed me to walk through many difficulties and challenges in my sobriety. Somehow, someway, I was able to open the door of faith to get to the other side, clean and sober for an ever expanding gratitude to pass on to others. Who can it be now, knocking at my door?

Today, I give thanks for the gifts of willingness & open-mindedness, and to use your experience, strength and hope as I cross yet another “Red Sea” in this journey called life.