By: Vince DiPasquale
As we begin the gateway into the summer months, we are asked to look at the difference between having trust in the process and controlling the process. Life is a journey which we are asked by a Higher Power to go on. Our Higher Power knows that each one of us has been given all that we need for the journey. We also have been given the gift of ‘free will’ which allows us to make choices and to be responsible for our choices. The journey we are told, will not be easy. Each one of us must face this dysfunctional world so that we can learn our lessons. The Higher Power has told us not to be afraid because God and his angels will travel with us. Many of us must choose between the external world and the spiritual one.
The external world is based on the ego (Ease God Out). We can so easily make external things into our gods such as money, greed, and riches. Remember the more toys we possess the more worry and fear of losing them will control our lives. Would you rather leave behind possessions for others, or the gift of your spirit which will live forever? God has created us to be spiritual beings. At times because of hurt, fear, shame and guilt we are stuck in looking at life in negative terms. We are reminded by all the great teachers that everything in life that is worthwhile must be worked for. Struggle is not a negative term; it is the pathway to new discoveries on life‘s journey. For every negative in life there is a positive.
Let’s reflect on different periods of history, from the Roman empire to all the great wars and armies. Imagine all the lives that were lost over the attitude of trying to control external things. Each of the empires in time died or will die because they are based on greed and possession.
We are taught in the recovery program to let go and let God. We are given the beautiful gifts of the 12 steps: powerless, acceptance, openness, willingness to change and grow, gratitude, sharing and service to others. These are all the spiritual gifts. What is our attitude towards life? Are we always trying to figure it out to make sure we are in charge or do we find it more challenging and rewarding to go with the flow? If we are open to God’s will for us, then no matter what happens, we will discover the rewards. God sends us teachers and messengers each day. We are being led. The 12 steps give us the gift of faith. Do your work and try to look at life through the eyes of such great teachers as Saint Francis, Theresa of Avila, Saint Augustine, Thomas Merton, Lao-Tzu, Dr. King and all the other recovery teachers like Bill W, Dr. Bob, Lois and the other founders of AA. They were great prophets who came into this world to carry a message of some simplicity and hope. Each one of us has been asked to be a prophet today. We are asked to look within, to be in touch with all the wonderful gifts we have and to have the courage once we have done our work, to share it in service to others knowing we will receive more gifts in return. Our prayer each day should be that we try to look at life as a simple journey to be enjoyed and to be shared. If we allow ourselves to grow spiritually and look at all the people in life as teachers, we will enjoy the simplicity of each day like a child. Each day when we awake and say a prayer of gratitude and openness, we are asked to look at life through these simple slogans:
One day at a time. We only have one day, and we must live it to the fullest. Remember, yesterday is over, face it, accept it and let it become our teacher. There is no tomorrow because when it comes, it is today.
Easy does it. Take your time, be patient, everything in life that is worthwhile takes time. Growth is a slow process. My dad would say pray for the slow steady rain to nurture the crops. The cloudburst destroys. Patience is a great spiritual gift.
But for the grace of God. Always remember that some of our greatest teachers are those who are worse off than we are. Everything in life can be dealt with if we approach it with a positive attitude.
Keep it simple. The formula for life. Simplicity is the ultimate spiritual word. The simpler our lives, the more serene they are. Life is a simple journey for complicated people. Remember less is more. Do one thing at a time and enjoy the journey of life.
Summer is a time to sit back, go slow and enjoy life. Remember life is to be lived and celebrated. Let’s make time to play, socialize and just enjoy each other. Have a simple, peaceful and restful summer. May God bless all of us on our journey.
