We went to a piano concert the other day. It was lovely--familiar pieces from Broadway to pop to classical. During the concert the pianist shared with the audience that he was celebrating 4 years of recovery. His sponsor was in the audience. He spoke of the joy of recovery, of doors that have opened, of the miracle of his recovery. He smiled and laughed as he talked. Clearly he loves his new life.
I was reminded of a tv commercial about quitting smoking. For years the commercial has shown a woman who is in the process of quitting. She eats apples, takes a walk, hugs her son. A more recent version of the commercial shows a man sitting at a table with a huge grin on his face. He enthusiastically says, "I love being a non-smoker!" A real pleasure in his new life.
That's what recovery is meant to be--a real pleasure---a real love of a new life. Unfortunately when one is still drinking or drugging, the thought of not drinking or drugging often feels like giving up too much---too much fun, too much relaxation, too much.......just too much. The reality is when one chooses to stop letting the addiction control one's life, it is not just eating apples and going for walks; the new life is full of love, and huge grins and miracles and joy and open doors.
The closing prayer on Sunday..."O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting ."
Blessings-Penny
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