“Today’s messages above - the theme of God’s love and our ability to choose good - made me reflect back to sitting with Stan Grant in late 1983.”

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 Covenant to Honor Torah

“I have set before you today life and good, and also death and evil. Choose life and good. Each day, watch that your heart doesn’t turn in a manner that forsakes Me to serve other gods. All these words, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, will come upon you. Chose richness in faith and trust that only I can provide so that you and your descendants may live the fullest and richest life.”

Adapted from My Jewish Learning

Led by the Spirit

Richard Rohr

“Life opens us into capacities we didn’t even know we had. I think that’s how the Spirit works. Now, on a spiritual path, we are called to give our lives toward a purpose greater than ourselves. The compass in our hearts and Spirit will guide us. We can rely on the wisdom of our ancestors’ achievements; they bring a vision in achieving a better life. Today is the time to step out in faith.”

Adapted from Richard Rohr Daily Meditation

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day “Spiritual progress is the law of your being. Try to see around you more and more of beauty and truth, knowledge and power; to be stronger, braver, more loving as a result of what you did yesterday. This law of spiritual progress gives meaning and purpose to your life; always expect better things ahead. You can accomplish much good through the strength of God's spirit in you. Never be too discouraged. The world is sure to get better, in spite of setbacks of war, hate, and greed. Be part of the cure of the world's ills, rather than part of the disease. Prayer of the Day Today I pray that I may keep progressing in the better life. I pray that I may be a part of the forces for good in the world.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

Today’s messages above - the theme of God’s love and our ability to choose good - made me reflect back to sitting with Stan Grant in late 1983. There he was, a dapper elder gentleman, with a nice suit, holding a long Virginia slim cigarette, telling me that it’s just as easy to be happy than sad. WTF?? I’m saddened by everything; my alcoholism, the challenges in my family; the terror of trying to work without chemical additives in my system; and the shame of being a failure and of not being enough. He laughed & said, “Steve, I came into sobriety at age 27 in 1951; a shaking, sweating nervous wreck. If I can do it, so can you. Write down all of your problems. Share them and move forward. Quit borrowing trouble!” I took a step back; I was offended! But he was right; my troubles and issues were holding me captive, just like alcohol and drugs had a few months earlier. How had The change happened in him? Maybe it could happen for me? So, I called my sponsor and got busy in the Steps, and it’s worked. Much slower than expected, I might add! But I still must do that today.

I discovered that along with hope, faith and love, there’s a sleeping giant that centers in my mind. Life’s challenges often awaken it! How to tame it? Applying 12 Steps work far better than feeding it the old diet. I need to stop fooling myself if/when I don’t believe it, give thanks for The Gift, and pass it on.

It continues to be The Solution, one day at a time!