A Reading on "A New Life" Is sobriety all that we are to expect of a spiritual awakening? No, sobriety is only a bare beginning; it is only the first gift of the first awakening. If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. As it does go on, we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life-the one that did not work for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever. Regard-less of worldly success or failure, regardless of pain or joy, regardless of sickness or health or even of death itself, a new life of endless possibilities can be lived if we are willing to continue our awakening, through the practice of A.A.'s Twelve Steps.
Words to Live By God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is awake. God has a purpose and plan for me that no one else can fulfill. The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you. We are responsible for the effort, not the outcome. We set the sail; God makes the wind. The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us. Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. God put me on earth to accomplish a number of things; right now I'm so far behind I will live here forever. :-)
People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.
A Vision for You "Some of us sought out sordid places, hoping to find understanding companionship and approval. Momentarily we did -- then would come oblivion and the awful awakening to face the hideous Four Horsemen -- Terror, Bewilderment, Frustration, Despair. Unhappy drinkers who read this page will understand!" From the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Page 151, Third Edition.
