At once, I became a part–if only a tiny part–of a cosmos....
When I first came to A.A., I decided that “They” were very nice people–perhaps a little naive, a little too friendly, but basically decent, earnest people (with whom I had nothing in common). I saw “them” at meetings – after all, that was where “They” existed. I shook hands with “Them” and, when I went out the door, I forgot about “Them.” Then one day my Higher Power, whom I did not then believe in, arranged to create a community project outside of A.A., but one which happened to involve many A.A. members. We worked together, I got to know “Them” as people. I came to admire “Them,” even to like “Them” and, in spite of myself, to enjoy “Them.” “Their” practice of the program in their daily lives–not just talk at meetings –attracted me and I wanted what they had. Suddenly the “they” became “we.” I have not had a drink since.
Twenty–Four Hours A Day
A.A. Thought For The Day
I go to the A.A. meetings because it helps me in my business of keeping sober. And I try to help other alcoholics when I can, because that’s my part of my business of keeping sober. I also have a partner in this business and that’s God. I pray to Him every day to help me keep sober. As long as I keep in mind that liquor can never be my friend again, but is now my deadly enemy, and as long as I remember that my main business is keeping sober and that it’s the most important thing in my life, I believe that I’ll be prepared for that crucial moment when the idea of having a drink pops into my mind. When that idea comes, will I be able to resist it and not take that drink?
Meditation For The Day
I will be more afraid of spirit–unrest, of soul – disturbance, of any ruffling of the mind, than of earthquake or fire. When I feel the calm of my spirit has been broken by emotional upset, then I must steal away alone with God, until my heart sings and all is strong and calm again. Uncalm times are the only times when evil can find an entrance. I will beware of unguarded spots of unrest. I will try to keep calm, no matter what turmoil surrounds me.
Prayer For The Day
I pray that no emotional upset will hinder God’s power in my life. I pray that I may keep a calm spirit and a steady heart.
Walk In Dry Places
Unexpected Disappointments Acceptance.
As life unfolds, we sometimes get unexpected disappointments that seem undeserved – the car breaks down, a business deal goes sour, or a close friend betrays us. As alcoholics, most of us don't handle such things too well. “Why me, Lord?" we often respond. Our best approach is simply to view life as a mixture of bitter and sweet, knowing that we've been given real mastery over conditions. We cannot always be sure that a disappointment really is as bad as it seems to be, and sometimes it can become a step toward our good. As one alcoholic phrased it, “some of the worst things that have happened turned out to be the best.” It's good to face the day with optimism, with confidence, and even with some excitement about the opportunities ahead. If we’re maintaining sober thinking, everything that happens today will be transformed into gains for tomorrow – all our tomorrows. We're on a spiritual journey that goes far beyond anything we're doing here and now.
I won't expect to be disappointed today, but I'll know that nothing can really upset or disturb me without my permission.
Keep It Simple
It easier to speak of love, than to practice it. –Anonymous
Do we help our neighbour who is in need? We must help when we see the need, not just when it fits our schedule. In the program, this becomes our goal. We work at helping out. For example, when someone is needed to run the meeting, we offer. We see that the needs of the group are also our needs. We are the group. Over time, the idea of service spreads to the rest of our lives. Maybe we help a family down the street. We start to see that we have something to offer the world; ourselves. We start to see that the needs of the world are also our needs. We are an important part of the world.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, make me quick to act when I see a need. Please don’t let my fear stop me.
Action for the Day: Today, I’ll list what I have to offer the world. I will think of two ways I can use these gifts my Higher Power has given me.
Father Leo’s Daily Meditation
Art
“Only work which is the product
of inner compulsion can have
spiritual meaning.” – Walter Gropius
I have developed, in my recovery, an awareness of the beauty of this world and an appreciation of what man can produce. Sobriety has made art accessible. Today I can see beauty in paintings, sculpture, music, literature and the natural “art” of nature.
Spirituality is always creative and it is at the centre of all that is good, noble and inspiring. Although I am not an artist, I can appreciate and have a feeling of “belonging” to the beauty of this world – in a sense it all happens and takes shape through me. The rediscovery of spirituality has brought the world and the universe into my life.
Help me to have the desire to recreate Your splendours through my experiences.
Daily Inspiration
All the good things in life don’t mean much if we fail to enjoy them. Lord, may I pause to notice my blessings and be joyful. Your last chance to do anything about today is right now. Lord, help me keep my thoughts on making this day better so that I build a good foundation for tomorrow.
Contributed by Shreerang Karkare
