Recovery Lane
Wisdom for Today
When at last we reach the end of our days, how will we look back on our life
on this earth? We can be sure that nothing we have gained here in the way
of material possessions, will we take with us. No earthly possession will be ours
to take; it all must be left behind. But what of the spirit will be ours for the
taking? None of us really know the answer, for this is entirely in God's hands.
I like to think that the things we may take with us are the things we gave away.
If we have given our love and care to another, perhaps we take this love with
us. If we have given of our time to help another in need, perhaps we take this
spirit of generosity with us. No one knows for sure. But one thing is for sure.
When we reach the end of our time here on earth, we can look back and be pleased;
or we can look back and be empty.
This question is what is important for each of us. Am I doing that on which I
can look back and be proud? Am I treating my fellow man as I would want him
to treat me? Am I generous with my time for those that need it? Am I creating
the kind of human relationships that are lasting and truthful? Each of these
questions can only be answered one day at a time; but I know that if I work the
steps and practice the principles of the program in all that I do, one day I
will look back and will feel good about what has been accomplished in my life.
So I seek to fill my heart with spiritual things and walk the path that is
laid before me. Am I seeking good in all that I do?
Meditations for the Heart
Can I call upon the name of God to help me in all that I do? The answer
to this question is most certainly, "yes!" Yet it is such an easy thing to forget.
God's Spirit is among us at all times, and He stands ready to help us; all we
need do is ask. His Spirit is here to help make us better people. His Spirit is
here to guide us on our journey. His Spirit is here to help us when we need it.
Not just when we need it most, but in all that we do. Sometimes I seem to forget
this and hurry into my day without asking for help. I get headstrong, or I get
distracted, and I just do not ask for that which I need. I can really tell the
difference in my day when I don't ask for help in what I do. I get more easily
frustrated. I get off track. I accomplish less. Sometimes I miss the boat
completely. The good news is that I can always start again. I can stop and ask
for help anytime and know that it will come. Do I ask for help often enough?
Petitions to my Higher Power
God,
Let me begin this day by turning to you and asking for Your help in all that
I do. Give me courage and wisdom to continue to ask for Your help throughout my
day. Let me take steps today that add to my spiritual life. Let me seek to help
others and to treat all those that I come into contact with as I would want to
be treated. Let me seize every opportunity to do good for others in this day.
Amen

Author: John W. Stiemke
Copyright © 2000 Recovery Lane All rights reserved.
Revised: May 20, 2001