“Like the Billy Joel song, Movin Out, maybe the 3rd Step is the secret sauce to begin to let go?”

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

In God's Care: Daily Meditations on Spirituality

Hazelden Foundation

Perhaps we didn't come by our addictions accidentally. There's a purpose for each of us, and comforting others is part of our purpose. God relies on us to carry the message, just as those who brought it to us. The minute we isolate ourselves from others, discomfort sets in - for us and for those who need the comfort of our presence. In our pain, we discover a spiritual paradox: comfort in giving comfort; part of the "to-give-is-to-receive" principle. Today, help me use my pain & discomfort to help others on the path of life.

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Hazelden Foundation

Try never to judge. The human mind is so delicate and so complex that only its Maker can know it wholly. Each mind is so different, actuated by such different motives, controlled by such different circumstances, influenced by such different sufferings, you cannot know all the influences that have gone to make up a personality. Therefore, it is impossible for you to judge wholly that personality. But God knows that person wholly and He can change it. Leave for God the unraveling of the puzzles of personality. And leave it to God to teach you the proper understanding. I pray that I may not judge other people. I pray that I may be certain that God can set right what is wrong in every personality.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

I was struggling with life on life’s terms. Today, I still struggle; why did my brother have to pass away, so angry with everyone, hurting and in physical pain? You told me to re-read Step 3 very slowly: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.” OK, I’ve made a decision to turn my life over to Something bigger than me; at first it was AA, the 12 Steps & the people in recovery.

Today, with a bit more experience and clarity, it makes perfect sense. For me, for all of my challenges in life, my kids, Gail, the world political scene, and for the Soul of my recently departed brother, I have a choice. TODAY, I can put it all in His divine care.

Like the Billy Joel song, Movin Out, maybe the 3rd Step is the secret sauce to begin to let go?

Meeting Bobbie at Johnnie's Picnic Basket opened my heart to let the pain out, to share the loss, and to listen about her journey in grief and loss. Death is part of life; we shared some humorous stories, some anger, and left with hope & love.

Paul & Linda’s in Pinetop. Having known them for 40 years, our friendship started at Skiers Edge in 1986. They showed Gail and I all the trophies in their home from numerous hunting trips; for each one, there was a story of harrowing times in Mexico, Africa and the outback in Alaska. It’s a journey, fueled by passion, trust in the process of living, and action.

At dinner at Red Devil Pinetop, we talked about the gifts and the fragility of life. What a journey we’ve all had; what a journey my brother had! Instead of a double Tito’s and lime, give me a double shot of the 3rd Step. I'm Movin Out! L’Chaim - To His Care!