“Like our own recovery, lots of work, patience, tools, and a team of specialists bring us back to life.”

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

Thérèse of Lisieux: The Way of Love

Richard Rohr

“In her autobiography, Story of a Soul, St. Thérèse of Lisieux introduces her spiritual philosophy known as the "Little Way." Standing at the bottom of the staircase, she was lifting her little foot trying to reach heaven. Her leg is so tiny, she can’t reach the first step—but keeps trying. Then, at a certain point, God runs down the steps and carries her up like a divine elevator. All God needs is our desire, then God does all the rest.”

Adapted from Richard Rohr Daily Meditations

The Science of Mind: The Definitive Edition

Ernest Holmes

“So we let go of everything and turn to that Divine Depth within our own nature. The Spirit of God—the Spirit of Love and the Spirit of Peace—dwells with calm serenity. We can withdraw into that place within us which has never been hurt, nor has ever been sick; has forever lived in divine and eternal peace. This Inner Kingdom within is all-peace, all-power and all-perfection. We can drop all hate, all fear, all animosity, all resentment.”

Adapted from The Science of Mind: The Definitive Edition

Twenty-Four Hours a Day

Meditation for the Day God's power in your life increases as your ability to understand His grace increases. The power of God's grace is only limited by the understanding and will of each individual. God's miracle-working power is only limited in each individual soul by the lack of spiritual vision of that soul. God respects free will, the right of each person to accept or reject His miracle-working power. Only the sincere desire of the soul gives Him the opportunity to bestow it. Prayer for the Day I pray that I may not limit God's power by my lack of vision. I pray that I may keep my mind open today to His influence.

Reflect — Steve L.'s own words

“You must manage your time. Be productive. Get your shit together!” These internal messages, and more, were screaming at me in early sobriety. “Why had I become such a failure, a loser? At one time, I seemed to be managing well.” I called my sponsor; he listened and then said something I still use today. “Steve, lack of power is our dilemma. After admitting this in Step One, we are guided to the other 11 Steps. It’s in the Steps we find the Power. The meetings give us opportunity to see how others are progressing, or sometimes, falling back into the disease. Remember, it’s an inside job. I’m here to help you work the Steps; just keep asking for willingness and the strength to trust the process and to do the work. It works if we work it!"

Yesterday, at the Run to the Pines car show, we ran into friends showing their cars or in attendance. There were many ‘67, ’68 and ‘69 Camaros that had the ID Plate stamped NOR – made at Norwood, Ohio where my Dad had been Plant manager. Wonderful memories flooded in. Some had photo books that showed the car being trailered out of a field or garage, close to salvage condition. Now, here they were; rebuilt from the bottom up, in beautiful, showroom condition! Many, customized and upgraded, were even better.

Like our own recovery, lots of work, patience, tools, and a team of specialists bring us back to life. It starts with something like, “oh, oh, the shape I’m in! “

All we needed to do was to “admit the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took other simple steps.” (We Agnostics, p. 46)

In recovery, there are no 1st place awards; just an inner stamp of gratitude and awe at the Power that once was hidden from our reality. Thanks for showing me the process for rebuilding a wreck; including passing it on to others looking for a restoration process.