Good morning MIP and Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate.  I am grateful for our founder, John, who created this haven for us to come together and share our recovery.  I am grateful for all of you too!

Today's reading is about our spiritual program of recovery.  The word recovery suggests we are regaining something we one possessed but have lost or set aside.  Most of us, who are affected by the disease of alcoholism have lost track of our spirit.  Life became a survival game, a daily grind of fear and hard work.  No matter what we tried, nothing seemed to help.  Perhaps this is so because we were trying to do 'it' all by ourselves.

In Al-Anon, we come to know that we have a resource within and all around that can guide us through the most overwhelming fears and the most challenging decisions -- a Higher Power.  Regardless of how HP is defined, it is real to us and has always been here for us.  As we recover, most of us regain that an essential part of self and our lives have a sense of purpose making each moment a gift.

Reminder --  I am a spiritual creature, capable of faith, hope, and an appreciate of beauty.  I have an unlimited source of strength and comfort at my disposal.  Today I will take the time to cultivate that spiritual connection.

Quote from Francis de Sales --  "Half an hour's meditation is essential except when you are very busy.  Then a full hour is needed."

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I was not thrilled to see the word God in the steps when I arrived at recovery.  I had been raised with a concept of God that just didn't work well for me.  As I reflect back, I am grateful that I was given a foundation regarding God simply because it did help me know at some level deep down that self-reliance is not effective for the long run.

Most of us reach a point where it's too much to handle - life, the disease, the diseased, etc.  For me, that point led me to recovery and a need vs. a want for a power greater than I.  I have many talents for which I am grateful, but they do not include knowing what's best for self and others all the time, every time.  I have no shame in my spiritual game, and will hit my knees daily to ask my HP to direct my thoughts and actions in a self-less manner so that I may be of maximum service to others.

I do trust each day, one day at a time, that what is happening is what is supposed to be happening.  It's not happening to me, it's happening for me or around me.  Recovery has given me the gift of being part of the solution for my life instead of part of the problem.  

I hope all have a lovely Thanksgiving.  I used to be filled with dread for the holidays, and work myself up into a tizzy of anxiousness.  I no longer live this way, and use our tools to see today and all days as just another glorious day on Earth.  I can focus on what is good - family members I get to see, great food I get to prepare and eat, fellowship, stories, laughter, etc.  Recovery has given me the ability to enjoy the good parts of my day instead of allowing the less that good parts to dominate.  So, so grateful.

Enjoy your day all - off to start the cooking process...make it a great day!