“There is a God, I’m not it, and neither are you!”

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

Keep it Simple: Daily Meditations for Twelve-Step Beginnings and Renewal

Hazelden Foundation

“Our alcoholism or other addictions pulled us toward death. Our spirits were dying, and maybe even our bodies were dying. Recovery is all about how to enjoy life. Now our spirits are coming to life; our feelings are coming alive! We feel hope and faith, love and joy, hurt and fear. We feel more alive than ever before; we are learning that life needs both sunshine and rain, and it includes both joy and pain. Prayer for the Day Higher Power, help me let go of my fears and enjoy life. I haven't always known how to enjoy life, but You can teach me. All life is from You, so teach me to be free in Your light and love.”

Sacramental Reality

Richard Rohr

“Life is always changing. Spiritual awareness and vision means not only that we grow in our love of God’s ways in the world, but also that we grow in our sense of kinship with all of creation. Simply walk outside and gaze at one leaf, falling from the trees in the changing of the seasons. Gaze long enough to truly know and to truly embrace that even this one leaf is a participation in the eternal being of God. Now, take a long look in the mirror; see yourself coming into a new season, changing each moment. In the world of the Spirit, we are being given a chance to re-develop our own kinship with God, and with others about us. Today, we can give thanks to be one in Spirit, to grow with the flow!”

Meditation for the Day

“God's miracle-working power still works miracles of change in lives and miracles of healing in twisted minds. When a person trusts wholly in God, and leaves to Him the choosing of the day and hour, there is God's miracle-working power becoming manifest in that person's life. So we can learn to trust in God, and have boundless faith in His power, to make us whole again, whenever he chooses. Prayer for the Day Today, I pray that I may feel sure that there is nothing that God cannot accomplish in changing my life. I pray that I may have faith in His miracle-working power.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Yesterday at the 5 Guys meeting at the Franciscan Renewal Center, under a clear and bright blue sky, 15 men gathered for a noon meeting. Some laughing, some in deep thought, some old, some new in recovery, I felt a deep spirit of love & gratitude. To the East was a labyrinth, where people walk in a spiral, to ponder the meaning of life. Yeah, what the hell is it all about, anyway? We’re here, we’re there, our pasts haunt and often plague us, the future is scary. Tales of adventures, wasted away at the Coach House, were shared! This time of year, all lit up with the Holiday Lights, the place is packed. The promise of fellowship, good cheer, and the chance to meet the man or woman of our dreams is in the air. It’s really happening at the Coach House! We all laughed about the illusion of it all; playing hero, or in self-pity, looking to be rescued. Why, and from what? Our feelings are coming alive to a new reality. There is a God, I’m not it, and neither are you! In all of our wondering, all we need to do is to stop for a minute, look up at the sky, the mountains, the trees, the Sun, the Moon and the stars, and take a deep breath. It’s far better than getting a double from the bartender, trying to hook up with the talent on the next barstool! Thanks for the tools for a beautiful day!