“We give the good AND bad, all of ourselves, and others, to God.”

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

Allan Cohen

It is important to resolve conflict and bring our relationships into peace and healing without delay. We can pray and ask for guidance about what we can do to heal them. Spirit of Love, open my heart. Help me be at peace with all my relationships. Let me not settle for upset or separation; that my life may reflect Your love and blessings. Today, I move forward in Your love to create peace with my loved ones & myself.

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Hazelden Foundation

Meditation for the Day God needs our efforts. We need God's blessing. Together, they mean spiritual success. Our efforts are necessary. We cannot merely relax and drift with the tide. We must often direct our efforts against the tide of materialism around us. When difficulties come, our efforts are needed to surmount them. We ask God to direct our efforts and for His power to help us choose the right path. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may choose the right path; that I may have God's blessing and direction in all my efforts for good.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Meeting up with my friend Rabbi Levi Levertov yesterday to prepare for the services Friday at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in North Phoenix, the saying “The soul I have given you is pure” came to mind. This phrase carries profound meaning about the nature of the human soul.

Sitting here, writing my “talk” to give to Bob and the people in attendance, I can’t help but remember all the good times we shared; countless times celebrating life. Yet also, there were many times together dealing with pain, both physical & emotional, struggling with the challenges living life and finding happiness along the way. We’re all under pressure.

Digging deeper into Torah, the Godly soul enclothes itself within animal soul, and more particularly, the intellectual soul. Like a tug of war, going on inside of each of us. The day before burial is called Aninut (אֲנִינוּת); called an Onen (אוֹנֵן) meaning “under pressure.” Pressure to resolve feelings of loss, conflict and deep grief.

Coming back into recovery, the 7th Step Prayer creates an envelope for all of this! “My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.’’

We give the good AND bad, all of ourselves, and others, to God.

Today, called to do our best to live to be a blessing & light to the world, I focus & recognize many good things Bob did with his light, rather than be consumed by anger and loss.

Thank you, Rabbi and 12 Step recovery, for helping me reflect on Your light over darkness, and to get up and surf, like my grandson Lev, even while under pressure!!!