“Walking into recovery, hanging my head down, I was a broken and lost soul.”

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

The Naked Now

Richard Rohr

“I use ‘prayer’ as the umbrella word for any kind of interior journey or practice that allow an experience of faith, hope & love within self. It is not a technique for getting things, a pious exercise that somehow makes God happy. Nor is it a requirement for entry into Heaven. It is much more like practicing Heaven now.”

Adapted from The Naked Now

“SEEKING EMOTIONAL STABILITY”

“When we developed still more, we discovered the best possible source of emotional stability to be God Himself. We found that dependence upon His perfect justice, forgiveness, and love was healthy, and that it would work where nothing else would. If we really depended upon God, we couldn’t very well play God to our fellows, nor would we feel the urge wholly to rely on human protection and care.”

Adapted from Daily Reflections

Sacred Space

“I thank You, God, for those who helped me in my need, who heartened me in my fear, and who visited me in my loneliness and despair. And for the strength You gave me, O God, I give thanks to You.”

Adapted from Sacred Space

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Walking into recovery, hanging my head down, I was a broken and lost soul. I discovered a new hope I’d been missing. You told me I was not alone, loved, forgiven, and offered New Life. I’m Jewish and thought you were going to Baptize me! I called my sponsor and he pointed out the line in Bill’s Story where Ebby T. asks Bill, “Why don’t you chose you own conception of God?”

Like Bill’s reaction, that statement hit me hard. Reflecting back on all of the good things that had happened in my life, I was encouraged, but then, was overwhelmed again by shame, fear & my problems.

Today, I still discover that it’s easy to become a victim. I’m sensitive, demanding, and have plans that don’t work out. Poor me, I tell myself. But then, Something begins to click. Hope, forgiveness, transparency to be vulnerable. And that line rings out.

At the Noon mtg at Calvary Church in Show Low, the topic was from A Vision For You.

After the reading, everyone shared with an openness that touched my heart. I was able to share again about my brother’s passing, but this time with a new understanding & acceptance, with compassion and love. You promised me freedom from the bondage of self; all 12 Steps, packaged together at each meeting, help when nothing else works.

This morning at AJ’s in Scottsdale with Aaron, once again we watched the sushi master from Thailand perform her art. Sashimi, salmon, and crab, all fresh from early delivery, were sliced perfectly. One piece at a time. When I look back, that’s how these steps & progress in sobriety work. Talking with Aaron about his past week, and plans for today, we reflected back on my Dad’s dedication to provide a good life for his family; we were grateful that quality got passed on & praised Josh and his wife for their amazing dedication to family.

Thanks for helping me look at both sides now; and for a life filled with gratitude!