“Contented sobriety comes in waves between life’s ups and downs.”

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

We Agnostics

Alcoholics Anonymous

“We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found . . . search diligently within yourself . . . With this attitude you cannot fail. The consciousness of your belief is sure to come to you.”

Adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous

The Essential Rumi

Rumi

“The whole world is a form for truth, for gratitude. When someone does not appear to be grateful the forms appear to be as he feels for the moment. They mirror his anger, his greed, and his fear. Today, make peace with the universe. Take joy in it.”

Adapted from The Essential Rumi

Meditation for the Day

Meditation for the Day Thinking about God in love, of a Power greater than yourself, is the call for a lifeline to rescue you from darkness. The thought of God banishes loneliness, dispels gloom and summons help to conquer your faults and sense of lack. Think of God as often as possible. Use these thoughts prayerfully and with purpose. It will carry your mind away from the material toward the spiritual to make life worthwhile. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may think of God often. I pray that I may rest in peace at the thought of His love and care.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Yesterday morning meeting Dick B. at Pinetop Coffee Co, the owners Mike & Linda were terrific - so engaging and welcoming. We got our coffee and bagel and sat down at a table inside to talk about life’s challenges. The traffic in and out of the store was constant, and the love was obvious; for coffee, for a specialty coffee house on the mountain, and for a comfy place to gather. Contented sobriety comes in waves between life’s ups and downs. I left grateful for The Fellowship; one created out of a common problem and delivered from darkness with a New solution: surrender to achieve peace and open to Love was your message.

The rest of the day was filled with calls, errands, and communications with my kids and grandkids traveling in Romania. In photos from the mountains in Pârtia Sulinar, Romania, with bears and snow on the peaks, everyone looked happy. My son Aaron got his passport and plans to visit them soon. I was filled with love, hope, peace and gratitude.

But next I received a very disturbing call from a buddy that a dear friend had committed suicide. Struggling for contented sobriety and not finding it, he succumbed to the darkness. Charles Chirchirillo used to say, “If you’re thinking of killing yourself, please don’t. You’re killing the wrong person.” Bill Newhall used to say, “Know you’re loved; Be Good to You.”

Both carried a message of love with tools that I've used on the journey.

After dinner at home, Gail & I went to see the new movie, “Disclosure Day.” Brilliant as always, Spielberg delivers a film with a message to set aside fear with a sense of wonder, hope and love. Emily Blunt has a line, “I’m an involuntary vessel.” In a Cloud of Unknowing, she goes along to demonstrate a new sense of understanding, compassion and love.

Today, I give thanks for allowing me Your grace and a willingness to become a vessel of love, instead of a chief critic filled with demands neither I nor anyone else can meet, or trapped in fear.

Places Along the Way

Pinetop Coffee Co