To Share, or Not To Share?

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, November 25, 2015

To Share, or Not To Share?

When people are in the midst of their addiction or compulsion, so often they are self-focused and self-centered.

Sure, the self-centered attitude of addiction is narrow and focused. Or rather, not focused outward at all—only inward, and only wanting more, more, more, more. This attitude can be unhappy, pain-filled and even desperate.. The end result? Loneliness that sometimes seems as if it will never, ever end. Desperate, indeed.

I love this reading from today, from Keep It Simple. The reading suggests one way to combat unhappy, pain-filled loneliness. The answer? Sharing with others. Being intentionally other-focused. Serving and giving.

“Remember the first time you walked into a meeting? You were met by people who shared. Maybe they shared a smile, their story, or just a cup of coffee with you. The sharing that goes on in a Twelve Step program is great. We learn that the more we give, the more we get.” [1]

Yes, sharing can be a life-saver. (Literally.) Sharing, giving, serving. Intentionally directing our focus and energy and direction outward.

Thank You Thanks so much, memories of all.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

(also published at http://www.matterofprayer.net

[1] Keep It Simple: Daily Meditations for Twelve-Step Beginnings and Renewal. (Hazelden Meditation Series) (San Francisco: Harper & Row Publishers, 1989), November 25 reading.

Loving Someone, Loving my Higher Power

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, November 15, 2015

Loving Someone, Loving my Higher Power

Today’s reading was even more practical than usual.

When people are caught up in their addiction or compulsion (whatever that is), they are often totally focused on themselves. Their preoccupation with their addiction or compulsion. They often try to fix, manage, or control outcomes. Or, people, places and things.

However, once we are on the recovery road, things radically change. Love becomes a possibility in the life of recovery. When my heart opens up to love God and to love my neighbor as myself, I am living the way God wants me to live.

What is more, when you or I am on the road to recovery, finding God as each of us understand God, miracles can happen. God can come into each person’s life in an extremely personal way. Yes, love is powerful. Yes, my Higher Power loves me, unconditionally. And, recovery from addiction or compulsion is also powerful. With God (or, the Higher Power), there is a solution.

I particularly like the Action for the Day: “I will list three things I love that help me know my Higher Power/God is near me.” [1] That sounds like a worthwhile exercise. Something I can really sink my teeth into.

Dear God, help me to be more loving, to everyone. To anyone who especially needs love, comfort and encouragement, help me offer it freely. And, help me know that You are there, even when it doesn’t seem that way. Lord, in Your mercy, hear my earnest prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

[1] Keep It Simple: Daily Meditations for Twelve-Step Beginnings and Renewal. (Hazelden Meditation Series) (San Francisco: Harper & Row Publishers, 1989), November 15 reading.