“What a gift surrender has been!”

Sitting in a stalled car on the railroad tracks with a train approaching, one needs to let go and start over. A man who persists in that situation will die. Many situations require fierce persistence, but in others we need to start over. Early in recovery, most of us haven't had a good way of knowing the difference. Perhaps with every challenge we tried harder and held on tighter. In recovery, we can practice being less automatic in rising to every challenge. We can learn to see the wisdom and vitality in starting over. Gradually we develop our contact with our Higher Power to help discern the difference. Today, I will not automatically persist with a challenge. I will notice when I have an opportunity to let go.

Adapted from Touchstones Meditations © 1986 by the Hazelden Foundation

Meditation for the Day Only in the fullness of faith can the heartsick and faint and weary be satisfied, healed, and rested. Think of the wonderful spiritual revelations still to be found by those who are trying to live the spiritual life. Much of life is spiritually unexplored country. Only to the consecrated and loving people who walk with God in spirit can these great spiritual discoveries be revealed. Keep going forward and keep growing in righteousness. Prayer for the Day I pray that the material things of the world may not hold me back. I pray that I may let God lead me forward.

Adapted from Twenty-Four Hours a Day© 1975 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved.