Daily Reflections-July 3

EXPERIENCE: THE BEST TEACHER

Being still inexperienced and having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times.

- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 87

Some say that experience is the best teacher, but I believe that experience is the only teacher. I have been able to learn of God's love for me only by the experience of my dependence on that love. At first I could not be sure of God's direction in my life, but now I see that if I am to be bold enough to ask for God's guidance, I must act as if God has provided it. I frequently ask God to help me remember that God has a plan for me.

Daily Reflections-July 2

THE HEART OF TRUE SOBRIETY

We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.

- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 570

Am I honest enough to accept myself as I am and let this be the "me" that I let others see? Do I

have the willingness to go to any length, to do whatever is necessary to stay sober? Do I have the

open-mindedness to hear what I have to hear, to think what I have to think, and to feel what I

have to feel?

If my answer to these questions is "Yes," I know enough about the spirituality of the program

to stay sober. As I continue to work the Twelve Steps, I move on to the heart of true sobriety:

serenity with myself, with others, and with God as I understand God.

Daily Reflections-July 1

THE BEST FOR TODAY

The principles we have set down are guides to progress.

- ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 60

Just as a sculptor will use different tools to achieve desired effects in creating a work of art, in Alcoholics Anonymous the Twelve Steps are used to bring about results in my own life. I do not overwhelm myself with life's problems, and how much more work needs to be done. I let myself be comforted in knowing that my life is now in the hands of my Higher Power, a master craftsman who is shaping each part of my life into a unique work of art. By working my program I can be satisfied, knowing that "in doing the best that we can for today, we are doing all that God asks of us."