“Recovery is coming face to face with those things, admitting you tried as hard as you could, and that, now, a whole new world is opening up.”

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

A Deep Breath of Life

Alan Cohen

“God does not play hide-and-seek. The truth is simple; it is obvious, and it works. Everything I need has always come to me at the perfect time in the perfect way. As I bless the simple things in my world, I can appreciate my friends for the simple gifts they offer. Rather than seeking to replace what I have, help me to see new ways that I may more fully tap into all of the gifts that I have been given. Today, I ask You to show me all of the good I already possess; that I may move forward to live in courage and in Your Love.”

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Meditations

Meister Eckhart

“If the only prayer You say in your entire life Is “Thank You,” that would suffice.”

Adapted from Meditations

Meditation for the Day

Meditation for the Day “Walking with God means practicing the presence of God in your daily affairs. It means asking God for strength to face each new day. It means turning to Him often during the day in prayer for yourself and for other people. It means thanking Him at night for the blessings you have received during the day. Nothing can seriously upset you if you are walking with God. You can believe that He is beside you in spirit, to help you and to guide you on your way. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may try to walk humbly with God. I pray that I may turn to Him often as a close friend.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Reading the meditations today made me reflect back on my friend Charles C. introducing himself as a “grateful alcoholic!” The 2 words didn’t seem to go together; how could anyone say that? I was about 5 years clean & sober, and remember calling my sponsor in despair, angry that I couldn’t move from self-pity to gratitude. He listened to me for a few minutes, and then said something I use to this day: “Steve, no one likes failure, to lose their sense of identity, importance, or to see their plans fail. Recovery is coming face to face with those things, admitting you tried as hard as you could, and that, now, a whole new world is opening up. Look around; people who drank like you are happy, productive and functioning. They have hope and purpose. Write down all of the reasons you’re angry, upset, and afraid. Then let's meet in 2 days and go over it. This is a process; I know that it will work for you.” Then he hung up!

Yesterday, hiking the Ice Cave Trail, we came across a group riding horses; others were hiking with their dogs. The sky was blue, filled with bright white clouds. Gail and I were laughing. How did I thrive in 2 different careers; get through 2 divorces, yet continue to tap into hope & love? Like the trails in the forest, I had to keep clearing the pathway! I am so grateful you shared your experiences and showed me tools to use to live, instead of being overwhelmed by my old ideas.

Last night our friend Bobbie came for dinner; she was in great spirits & looked great; surviving the loss of her husband and best friend for 35 years, it’s not been an easy task. She’s had to struggle to continue to move forward, but said with hope, fellowship and expressing all of her feelings, Big Love keeps coming through. Big Love is what I wanted all my life!

Thanks for opening my heart to what’s real and important, instead of chasing illusions, fantasy and dreams of my ego. And for telling me I’m loved when I didn’t believe it!