“Sometimes, a little geographic changes everything!”

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

Step Seven, p. 71

For thousands of years we have been demanding more than our share of security, prestige, and romance. When we seemed to be succeeding, we drank to dream still greater dreams. When we were frustrated, even in part, we drank for oblivion. Never was there enough of what we thought we wanted. In all these strivings, so many of the well-intentioned, our crippling handicap had been our lack of humility. We lacked the perspective to see that character-building and spiritual values had to come first, and that material satisfaction were not the purpose of living.

Adapted from Twelve Steps and 12 Traditions

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, .....and that has made all the difference.

Adapted from The Road Not Taken

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day You are climbing up the ladder of life, which reaches into eternity. Would God plant your feet upon an insecure ladder? Its supports may be out of sight, hidden in secret places, but if God has asked you to step on and up firmly, then surely He has secured your ladder. Faith gives you the strength to climb steadily this ladder of life. You should leave your security to God and trust Him not to let you fall. He is there to give you all the power you need to keep on climbing. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may climb the ladder of life without fear. I pray that I may progress steadily through the rest of my life with faith and confidence.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Yesterday was the dawn of a brand-new day. Our plans were laid out in front of us to travel; all we had to do was go with the flow and enjoy! My mind wanted to manage, control & worry about everything; My buddy Johnnie calls it “the little man”; Rich Merkel called it “the little son of a bitch!” Whatever we name it, it’s not positive and helpful for enjoying the moment. I told it to go bother someone else, and we met up with Bruce Almost Almighty in San Diego. What a blessing; he gave us a tour of the beaches, Little Italy and Old Town before dropping us off at the train station. Boarding the Pacific Coastliner, we sat down in our seats. The seats were facing the wrong way; there was a curtain in the way; “why aren’t things perfect” I heard that voice say. We asked the conductor, and he said, “OH, you can take any seats you want in these 2 cars.” Gail & I laughed at each other’s irritations; instead of blaming each other, or, for me, going to the club car for a way to change my attitude, we just changed seats. Sometimes, a little geographic changes everything!

The phone rang with people calling about their “problem d’jour” – I was embarrassed to tell them mine. I had heard in meetings it isn’t always the bear who ruins a picnic; it can be the ants! Today, I’ve found that the 12 Steps help with both. I had other solutions for 15 years, but now, I can’t travel without them. They are the solution to all kinds of my disturbances.

Such a gift; at first, looking at people in the rooms at 4848 and Bloopers, I questioned whether I was really “that bad.” Yes, I was and, today, still can be. Instead of reordering my supply of solutions from DoorDash, or Total Wine, (whine for me) I use 12 Steps & go to meetings! Thanks for a Crystal Ship to carry me along the Waves.