Thought for today:

DA earns our trust over time when we let it. Early on, a member hands us a newcomer’s packet.  Another identifies with our share and sparks a conversation after a meeting.  We get a sponsor to guide us through the steps.  We eventually ask two members to be our Pressure Relief Group.

These small opportunities for networking gradually change our world from isolation to fellowship.

DA Promise Six:

“Isolation will give way to fellowship; faith will replace fear.”

It takes courage to trust. Faith isn’t built overnight; it takes time.

To start, we build trust on tentative action – a handshake here, a conversation there.  We start to open up to the possibility of a Higher Power who cares about us.  Often, other people notice our “faith transformation” before we do.

One day we look around at the meeting and recognize dear friends who have a shared history.  Like survivors on a lifeboat, each is grateful for a seat.  As we see each other’s recovery unfold, we see evidence of a Higher Power at work.

Do I listen to the Higher Power’s gentle influence in the midst of my meeting?

Meditation for today:

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”  We can appreciate the sentiment of these words.  They express a humble, grateful attitude.  It is said that gratitude is the one coin with which you can buy God.  A humble heart, recognizing the gift of friendship and accepting a helping hand, this is all that is needed to begin to receive blessings.

Affirmation for today:

My friends help me uncover the new version of myself – prosperous and courageous. Together, we are part of an awesome fellowship.

Prayer for today:

I pray that as I allow myself to trust and to offer myself to my group, my gratitude and my recovery grow, and I experience a deeper relationship with my Higher Power.

Recommended reading:

Philosopher-poet and cancer survivor Mark Nepo’s spiritual daybook is a summons to reclaim aliveness, liberate the self, take each day one at a time, and to savor the beauty offered by life’s unfolding. The Book of Awakening is the result of his journey of the soul and will inspire others to embark on their own. Nepo speaks of spirit and friendship, urging readers to stay vital and in love with this life, no matter the hardships. Encompassing many traditions and voices, Nepo’s words offer insight on pain, wonder, and love. Each entry is accompanied by an exercise that will surprise and delight the reader in its mind-waking ability.

(By clicking this book link you will be brought to the Amazon website.  If you decide to purchase anything, Amazon gives us a commission which in no way increases your cost.  This helps us defray the costs of running this website.)