“Although my ’67 Vette didn’t win a trophy, the real prize was in the love all around; love of cars, love of life, love of family & friends.”

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

Break Through or Die Trying

Tangen Harada Roshi

The key remains the same for everyone—complete sincerity. You must give your all. Holding on to nothing, you must become your practice.

Surely we are the children of God

Rabbi Yoni Rudansky

Surely we are the children of God. His Love for us knows no bounds, You are the child that God loves And we ask God to uncover the hidden spark of greatness we all have within us.

Thought for the Day

Hazelden Foundation

During active addiction, many of us were afraid of the truth. Truth meant we'd have to give up our addictive life. We refused to accept that we couldn't drink and use like normal people. When we reached out in despair, Love was there! Yet, we still can beat ourselves up for the errors of our past. Growing in recovery, we open to truth, forgiveness, and a path to heal our guilt and shame. Prayer for the Day Higher Power, help me to forgive myself as You have forgiven me. Help me learn from all of the errors I have made, to learn from them, and to embrace the truth. For in truth, I am able to find You, and in You, my truest being. Today's Action I will take an hour to reflect on where I am in my recovery. What thoughts or actions do I still blame myself for; what do I feel I haven’t been forgiven for? I will make a list of all of my disturbances, and share them with my sponsor.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Yesterday at the Run to the Pines awards ceremony, the crowd gathered to bid on auction items for local charities. In the middle of millions of dollars of classic collector cars, they announced that there were many families in need, and that last year, they raised over $50,000. Items worth a few hundred dollars went for $1000’s. Many people raised their hands to make an extra donatio. Gail and I were very grateful to be there, and reflected on our 25 year history together. 25 years? 😯

The owners of 2 Classic ‘67 Camaro z/28 models came up & told me that the cars came from Norwood, Ohio where Dad was the Plant Manager. They loved the story about my ’67 Vette. Like Aunt Margie would say, ‘Wow, Wow Wow! Dad, thanks for all of your love and dedication.

Our friend Denise and her granddaughters came to say goodbye, and we all hugged in appreciation of our friendship over the years. Growing up, my sons and I changed clothes in her office at Sunrise, and skied on Special Guest passes many, many days. Through ups and downs over the years, our friendship has grown, and our families have become very close.

Although my ’67 Vette didn’t win a trophy, the real prize was in the love all around; love of cars, love of life, love of family & friends. What else is there? Thank you for a beautiful day! “In return for a bottle and a hangover, we have been given the Keys of the Kingdom.”