“This concept still blows me away – you mean, things work out when I let go, not try to manage & control?”

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

Awareness

“Our demands, hopes, yearnings, and desires tie us to the static horror and the utter futility of the forever departed past and the never-arriving future. To want nothing – to know that we cannot make anything happen on our own– brings both an inner and outer joy, total fulfillment.”

Adapted from Spiritual Awakenings, AA Grapevine

The Power and Peace of Surrender

Echart Tolle

“When we yield internally, when we surrender, a new dimension of consciousness opens up. If action is possible or necessary, our action will be in alignment with the whole, supported by creative intelligence; an unconditioned consciousness which in a state of inner openness we become one with. Circumstances and people then become helpful, cooperative. Coincidences happen. If no action is possible, rest in the peace & inner stillness that come with surrender. Rest in God.”

Adapted from The Power and Peace of Surrender

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day “When life seems hard and troubles crowd, look for some reasons for thankfulness. There is nearly always something you can be thankful for. Give God the gift of a thankful heart. Try to see causes of thankfulness in your everyday life. The offering of thanksgiving is indeed a sweet incense going up to God throughout a busy day. Seek diligently for something to be glad and thankful about. In time, you will acquire the habit of being constantly grateful to God for all His blessings. Each new day some new cause for joy and gratitude will spring to your mind and you will thank God sincerely. Prayer for the Day I pray for a truly thankful heart. I pray that I may be constantly reminded of causes for sincere gratitude.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Driving to meet Aaron yesterday was such a blessing. Having driven down from Pinetop/Lakeside the night before to meet for breakfast and to celebrate his 45th birthday, all had gone smoothly. Meeting at Einsteins, the line was long, the tables were busy, so we went across the parking lot to AJs, grabbed yogurt, granola, a bagel and coffee and sat inside at the sushi counter to escape the heat. Sharing stories of his growing up, recent events with my brother's passing, his Mom’s trip to Europe to be with the 4 grandkids was so amazing – has all of this good stuff, all of these “miracles” really happened in our lives? Clouded by my doubts, fears & efforts to manage & control everything, my gratitude and thankfulness only came when you told me to let go. It has not been easy. This concept still blows me away – you mean, things work out when I let go, not try to manage & control? How can that be?!

Walking outside to say goodbye, we looked over at Bridwell’s Automotive & Gas Station. Known for selling high octane racing fuel, full service & washing windshields in the prestigious 85253 zip code, their garage has a reputation for restoring and working on classic cars. WTF? There’s a ’67 z28; could it be from Norwood, home of Camaro where his grandfather Herb Leitz was the General Mgr.? Perfectly restored, this was a perfect example of Chevrolet’s finest! Under the hood, yes, riveted to the firewall was the nameplate; the VIN started with NOR! Not only did we celebrate Aarons birthday, the vibe & love of his grandfather, Herb's dedication to hard work and family was looking right at us in the face! I flashed back to being at the Indy 500 in 1967 when the Camaro z/28 was the pace car. And dad was asked to ride in the passenger seat as they circled the track to start the race. That was almost 60 years ago! What a way to celebrate Aaron's 45th birthday; unexpected gifts and blessings kept appearing

Driving back to the mountains last night after a hectic day of errands, outside of Linden, the full moon came up! Wow, another gift of light and hope! it dawned on me. Like the roundabouts now popular in the Valley, there was a time when I had no clue which way to turn. Now, as I continue to get in line, read the road signs & take my turn, miracles continue to happen. .

Thank you for lighting my way to be of service to enjoy life, rather than being in the roundabout, or busy spending money I don’t have chasing fancy, curvy and shiny things!

Thank you also for encouraging me to keep coming back to pass it on rather than waking up stuck in a Motel 6 dazed & confused.