“I was a star; I was on my way!”

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

“Few things happen overnight, except the beginning of a new day! It’s easy to be taken in by false claims of overnight success and instant enlightenment. True change takes time and effort. We can listen to our mentors, and learn to embrace what’s helped them along their paths. We can often get exactly the help we need from a therapist, book, or seminar – the best things in life really are free, and freely available, to each one of us. Today, I ask to be open and patient to discover what works for me. I place my trust in You, God, to guide me along my path; that in Your time, I will receive exactly the help and guidance I need.”

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day “In God's strength you conquer life. Your conquering power is the grace of God. There can be no complete failure with God. Do you want to make the best of life? Then live as near as possible to God, the Master and Giver of all life. Your reward for depending on God's strength will be sure. Sometimes the reward will be renewed power to face life, sometimes wrong thinking overcome, sometimes people brought to a new way of living. Whatever success comes will not be all your own doing, but largely the working out of the grace of God. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may try to rely more to rely on the grace of God. I pray that I may live a victorious life.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Today’s readings had me reflect on a few situations that had a big impact on me early on.

First, at 6 years old, holding Dad’s hand, walking through the Chevrolet Assembly Plant, listening to the power tools, seeing all of the workers building cars, then watching them come off the assembly line. I wanted to be The Manager, and I wanted one in every color! Then, at 15, working in my Uncle's clothing warehouse, opening boxes of new shirts, sweaters & clothing, putting on price tags, and dressing the mannequins. I wanted to be James Bond, and my girlfriend, Pussy Galore, would be at my side! And then, at 28 years old, working for the Pierre Cardin Group in NYC, riding up 5th Avenue in my boss's Eldorado Convertible.

I was a star; I was on my way!

What had happened to my Dad’s incredible work ethic, his dedication to values, his amazing love for my Mom, and simply to provide for his family? Poof, like a Cheech & Chong movie, it all was Up in Smoke, clouded by the illusions of power, glamour and quick success.

Thanks for clearing away the illusions, replacing them with a 12 Step program that you said really worked. Don’t get me wrong; the illusions & neon lights come back, but as long as I stay close to You, I won’t end up drunk, in a strange town, broke and broken, pacing in my room alone at the Motel 6.