“With laughter, sarcasm, love & compassion, the WE in the fellowship cut through the problem of surrender.”

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 Year with Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton

“From moment to moment, I must remember that I am satisfied, even though everything is not yet fulfilled. That I lack nothing. To know and taste the secret good that is present, although not yet known. That the present good—reality—is God working in my life. Gustate et videte—look, taste and see.”

Adapted from A Year with Thomas Merton

A Spiritual Revolution

“The term “mindfulness” is associated mainly with Buddhism and meditation. Meditation opens the space to notice the thoughts our brain is constantly churning out while we intend to detach from them. This process is never seamless; it’s never easy. Yet, a lifelong work of doing this stands at the core of our sobriety. Feelings present a reality all their own: our INTERNAL reality. When we can distinguish that INTERNAL reality from some form of objective EXTERNAL reality, we are practicing emotional sobriety.”

Adapted from A Spiritual Revolution

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day “The phrase, “they who seek shall find" is not a question of searching so much as an inner consciousness of the Divine spirit in your heart. To realize God's presence you must surrender to His will in the small as well as in the big things of life. This makes God's guidance possible. Some things separate you from God - a false word, a fear-inspired failure, a harsh criticism, a stubborn resentment. These are things that put a distance between your mind and God. A word of love, a selfless reconciliation, and a kind act of helpfulness - these bring God closer. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may think and say and do the things that bring God closer to me. I pray that I may find Him in a sincere prayer, a kind word, or an unselfish deed.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

The zoom meeting last night was the cherry on top of our first day back in Pinetop/Lakeside. Starting with breakfast at Monica’s, Victoria and Monica welcomed me back like family. I worked more from my brother’s laptop of tasks to complete and finished up some IRS mail I received from my Mom taxes from 2019. My accountant from Tucson said that the IRS being 6-7 years behind is a common occurrence and helped me fill out the paperwork. Getting home, Gail and I talked about her upcoming plans to go to New Orleans for the 2026 Psych Congress; another opportunity for me to stay in my lane!

On the 6pm Men’s Zoom, Jordan was able to share on Step 2 after Walter added another crazy story of unmanageability while trying to impress a young lady! The sarcasm and love that followed our common problem of us all trying to be big shots was hilarious. Barry Z. was on listen only, but I could hear him laughing out loud anyways!

Jordan's story on Step Two added to the miracle of his sobriety. A genius-level student graduating early from Purdue, he entered his first treatment center immediately after graduation! Over the last 5 years, he’s spun out on weed and mushrooms, and other additives common in the party world. His sponsor told him that if God created everything, maybe he created alcoholics too! So why not celebrate His love and power and let go? The discussion that followed was terrific; the concept of unmanageability in sobriety was the missing piece of our sobriety puzzle. With laughter, sarcasm, love & compassion, the WE in the fellowship cut through the problem of surrender. It’s the Power of Love we were looking for in all of the wrong places; & without Steps 1 & 2, sometimes still do!