“The memories are priceless, and we’re free from being stuck in the messiness of life.”

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

Spiritual Awakenings 'Practical Enlightenment'

Grapevine Daily Quote

“Open-mindedness seems to me a core spiritual principle of the program.\n\nWithout it, I cannot change.”

A Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

“The only true measure of success is peace, happiness, and spiritual reward. Worldly accolades & the material mean nothing in the Kingdom of Love.\n\nToday, I pray that my intentions remain pure and that I put Spirit before any worldly illusions or distractions, that I may move forward with Your vision.”

Meditation for the Day / Prayer for the Day

Hazelden Foundation

“Look by faith into that place beyond space or time where God dwells and whence you came & to which you shall eventually return. To look beyond material things is within the power of everyone's imagination.\n\nFaiths look saves you from despair. Faith's look saves you from worry and care; it brings a peace beyond all understanding and all the strength you need. Faith also gives both new and vital power and a wonderful sense of peace and serenity.\n\nI pray that I may have faith's look. I pray that by faith I may look beyond the now to eternal life.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

You told me to have an open mind. Yesterday, sitting next to Heidi at Crossroads with her mom in attendance to see her get her 4-year medallion, I laughed when she shared that as a Jew, her parents were skeptical of the program. Hello, so was I! My Rabbis assistant had once told me, “Steve, what’s a nice Jewish boy like you doing in AA? You can’t be an alcoholic!” I didn’t dare start to qualify my misadventures to convince her! I knew!\n\nWhen Heidi sat back down, we hugged, with gratitude that our minds opened to accept being alcoholic and to cross a bridge to develop a God of our own understanding.\n\nLater, after working at my brother’s apt. with Richard, I looked around and said a prayer of gratitude.\n\nIt’s so simple, yet many do not cross the bridge.\n\nI drove to my place to meet Aaron, and we got in the jacuzzi and chilled before making dinner. Watching a movie on the couch, we reflected on his childhood, talking about our hiking, mountain biking, ski trips and family times with his grandparents. It’s a blur, but real. The memories are priceless, and we’re free from being stuck in the messiness of life.\n\nSure, there was drama & hardships accepting changes with divorces and peer pressure, but one thing was constant: my sobriety since he was 2 years old, and a focus on trying to do the next right thing. Far better than running to Times Square or Vegas for excitement and the glitter of the world. The bridge to cross is there for us every day.\n\nLike my parents used to say when we walked into a store, “Look, but don’t touch!” At one time I was powerless; thanks for the gift to go deeper than the surface and to have a life of meaning and purpose. And to help me cross the bridge that brings me to Your door.