“What a character, larger than life.”

In our drinking and using days, numb to life, we could suffer the same experience many times and not learn a thing. Now, facing life for the first time clean and sober, we have the chance to grow. If we take that first pill, fix, or drink, we halt our chances of growing to learn from each experience. Today, I pray for the strength to endure and for the ability to grow through each life experience without that first fix, pill, or drink.

Sometimes, we do a prayer practice, and if we don’t feel peaceful or holy immediately, we think we’ve failed or are doing it wrong. But that’s not the point. Fidelity to the practice brings about a healing alchemical effect. Sometimes, I’ll begin to chant, “Be still and know that I am God,” and at the same time I’m thinking, “I’m so stressed out today.” Oftentimes, it turns into a little dialogue with God, “Why can’t I be stiller and know that You are?” This practice and repetition of “Be still and know I am God” holds the space of stillness and silence. This is what one artist titled “Songs in the Key of Life.” Today, help me to pause and “Be still” enough to remember that I am made in God’s image; to honor my own voice, God’s voice there, deep within us.

Character is developed by the daily discipline of duties done. Be obedient to the heavenly vision and take the straight way. Do not fall into the error of calling “Lord, Lord” and doing not the things that should be done. You need a life of prayer and meditation, but you must still do your work in the busy ways of life. The busy person is wise to rest and wait patiently for God’s guidance. If you are obedient to the heavenly vision, you can be at peace. I pray that I may be obedient to the heavenly vision. I pray if I fall, I will pick myself up and go on.