“I rolled my windows down to breathe in all of the beauty; who cares about the traffic?”

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

“A Course in Miracles (acim.org) tells us that every act we do is either an expression of love or a call for it. Love is the only diet, therapy, or activity that always works. When we cut past all our facades, many of our actions stem from our need to know we are lovable. The next time people become upset with you, give them love. The next time you lose your peace, give yourself some love. Nothing else will satisfy us. Show me how to love as You love; to live from my heart that I may love to live.”

Adapted from A Deep Breath of Life

Thoughts in Solitude

Thomas Merton

“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire; & I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost & in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me and that you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”

Adapted from Thoughts in Solitude

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day “The eye of the soul is the will. If your will is to do the will of God, to serve Him with your life and by helping others, then truly shall your whole being be full of light. Strive that your will be attuned to the will of God, a single eye to God's purpose, desiring nothing less than that His purposes be fulfilled. Try to seek in all things the advance of His kingdom; to see spiritual values of honesty and purity, unselfishness and love, and earnestly desire spiritual growth. Then, your life will emerge from the darkness of futility into The Light of victory. Prayer for the Day I pray that my eye may be single. I pray that my life may be lived in The Light of the best that I know.”

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

After getting Gail to the airport, I turned around to head back to the property in Kaanapali. Traffic was at a standstill; it took 2 hours to drive less than 30 miles. Some people were honking; some even got out of their cars to look ahead. All along the shoreline, the ocean was like glass; the morning sky was beautiful. I rolled my windows down to breathe in all of the beauty; who cares about the traffic? I really was Somewhere else!

Meeting up with Kirk and his sponsee for lunch, we listened to his tale of life. Now, with 15 days, he’s willing and wants what we have. What is it we have?

We opened the book to AA Number Three. He was another man on the bed; we were carrying the message of hope and a map to New Life. How did we get it?

Later, at Kirk’s pop-up studio at the Sheraton Black Rock, we observed a magnificent sunset and mingled with the fancy, well-dressed crowd. Like Bill W., I joked about heading to the bar to strike up a friendship! We both laughed and embraced what we’ve been given. I heard a voice; beware, Steve; you are human; shiny curvy things still get your attention. Be grateful.

Thank you, God for a primary purpose and Your Gift that helps me not get fooled again!