May is one of the most beautiful and meaningful months of the year. It is a time of new birth-flowers blooming, life awakening, and a renewed sense of possibility. For me, May also marks the month of my birth, now 86 years ago. Each May reminds me how grateful I am for the gift of life and for the many wonderful people God has placed on my journey as teachers.
This month invites reflection on the gift of spirituality, which God gives each of us at birth. We are sent into this world on a spiritual journey-to discover the spirit that makes us who we are. In our Twelve Step program, the Twelfth Step reminds us that after ha,vir19 a spiritual awakening, we are to carry the message to others. When we do our inner work and give freely in a spirit of sharing, we are promised gifts beyond our wildest dreams.
This May, I find myself reflecting on spiritual awakening and service. Thomas Merton once said, ‘No one is an island.’ We cannot grow or discover our greatness alone. Recovery is a WE program, and the stars remind us of that truth.
Over these past 86 years, I have been blessed with many great teachers. Two of my earliest and most important teachers were my parents and my family. Like many of us, I was born into a dysfunctional human family. Today I understand that to be human and dysfunctional is also to be teachable.
In 1977, my Higher Power brought me to a simple house in South Philadelphia. With six other special people, my journey with Starting Point began. I believed I was helping others, but in truth, they were helping me just as much.
With all of my background in theology, the greatest spiritual gift I have received is the Twelve Steps. I truly believe the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous were divinely inspired. The Steps teach us to accept who we are, discover our gifts, and live in a way that becomes an example to others. The greatest service we can offer is the gift of ourselves.
May reminds me-and I hope all of us-to look at life through the eyes of gratitude, love, and service. Enjoy this beautiful month.
