Great Works Are Performed By Perseverance, Part II .................... 7/31/12

 Don't wait for extraordinary [or golden] opportunities.  Seize common occasions

 and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.

                                                                                                     Orison Marden

        How are you? Did you have a good day?

The upcoming month, which starts in a few minutes will be perhaps the most challenging I've ever
had, in years.  I'm sorry to say you may not hear from me as much as you are accustomed. I like my work as innkeeper but I have pressing issues needing attention.

       I've been prolific---writing 444 posts in fifteen months, roughly 27 a month, almost every day.  Banging out on my keyboard as much as I have, I never imagined, when I opened this inn.  I like it; it's been good for me. As a result of this place, I have two editors working with me, culling from my posts, looking at putting together a book.

      I've gotten to know many wonderful people as the innkeeper. (Did you ever wonder how I came up with the innkeeper idea?  There's a story behind my job title.  Ask me.)  This week is an excellent example of that.

      Today, I got a letter that was gratifying. I was moved to tears, in a good way. That doesn't happen often. It was from one of the guests to this inn. My correspondence with several of you has enlarged my community of friends. Thank you, for being you and allowing me to be a part of your lives.

      Tomorrow, I have work to do. It's different than my normal work which usually involves seeing clients.  But it is necessary. I'd value your kind thoughts, but especially your prayers as I, with God's help tackle challenging issues.  I'm powerless over my vulnerabilities.

      God isn't.

      I'll rely on His strength to push forward, even when emotionally I don't want to.  This is placing principles above my personality.  In recovery, this is called Tradition 12.

      I know I can't become the person I want to be, or have the life I want to have, by remaining the way I am.  Like the quote underneath today's picture, I need to seize common occasions and make the most of them.  It isn't easy.  But success, or achieving anything worthwhile, is never easy.
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      This evening, I got tremendous support from my middle son, Micael.  That's right, that's how it's spelled, with an accent on the e.  I'm a lucky man to have genuine friendships with my sons.  That's not a given.  I'm grateful that each of them care to connect with their dad and love me as much as they do.

       Micael and I had an in-depth conversation. I was almost brought to tears, again. I was moved by his loving and giving nature. Our time spent, and the letter I received today were two kisses I received from God.
My Gratitudes for Tuesday:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

1. Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.  I'm thankful that my relationship with my Higher Power allows me to accomplish more than I could if I relied upon self-sufficiency and reasoning alone.  Spirituality is humbling: every step is a step of ego destruction:
a. Realizing my powerlessness is humbling, but necessary.
b. Seeing that my life is unmanageable.
c. Coming to terms that I need a power greater than myself, that can restore me to the sanity and serenity I seek.
d. Turning my will and life over to this Power.
    Gosh. These realizations deflate my ego, but necessary. As the quote states, seeing my spiritual bankruptcy is necessary before I can see the world with new eyes and experience a deeper, more textured richness to life.
2.  I appreciate the love I receive from others.  It humbles and encourages me at the same time.  I'm thankful for the letter I received today and my time with my son, Micael.
3.  I made several phone calls related to my business.  I'm leaning into the headwind of unpleasant work that needs to be done.  It's in my best interests, making these calls.
4. I look forward to taking my bike for a spin tomorrow.  I'll ride with a friend.  I can't wait.
5. I'm enjoying a developing relationship with a friend.
6. I'm thankful for each of you who drop by.
How About You?
1. In what areas do you need to persevere?
2. Where are you experiencing powerlessness?
3. What is your relationship with your Higher Power?