I came across this quote from Gerald May on St. Augustine this week and man, did it pierce my soul. “God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.” As I contemplated what I fill my hands with my first thoughts were “things”, stuff, possessions.Continue reading “Grace”
Tag Archives: freedom
Expectation
Expectation. All of us have experienced it. I’m sitting in the coffee shop where I usually write my blog. I’ve been coming here for years and people here know me. When I walk through the door I’m usually greeted with, “Hey Ron!” Often, before I reach the counter, they are getting my cup ready andContinue reading “Expectation”
How long?
Early in my recovery I remember asking my parole officer how long I would have to attend meetings. She answered with a question, “Do you intend just to satisfy the DOC or do you intend to stay sober?”I still remember how bad that pissed me off. I attended meetings every week but only because ifContinue reading “How long?”
After The Holidays
Some of us have just come through our first holiday season without a relapse. I’m so proud of you. This is such a big deal. Any season, any day, any hour or minute sober is something to celebrate. The holiday season seems to be the toughest time of year for many people and there areContinue reading “After The Holidays”
Anger and Resentment
Over the course of my life, because of my size and mannerisms, especially before I get to know someone or they get to know me, people have used words like intimidating, scary, and controlling to describe me. I have recognized that I have anger issues but have resisted identifying as resentful. I did find itContinue reading “Anger and Resentment”
Suffering Well Together
Recently, as I sat in. a group, a participant shared that they somehow found strength as they listened to others in the group share about their struggles. Even if the event being shared took place years ago, comfort was experienced by the one hearing as they identified their current struggles in this story from theContinue reading “Suffering Well Together”
Sometimes Deliverance Looks Like…
In my experience, real life change has almost always been costly and painful. Why is that? Usually, the areas in my life that need real change are areas where habits and behaviors have been established over time. If it took time for me to dig the hole I find myself in it’s probably going toContinue reading “Sometimes Deliverance Looks Like…”
We Are More Than Our Mistakes
I enjoy sitting and listening to people share their stories. With almost any story I’m able to grow as I take away bits of wisdom and knowledge as I process someone else’s experience. Often, It’s a good experience for the person sharing their story as they relive relationships or periods of growth or excitement. EvenContinue reading “We Are More Than Our Mistakes”
Pornography
I was introduced to pornography through a magazine I found under the seat of my dad’s pickup truck at about the age of nine. The internet didn’t exist at that time and I am thankful. As a teenager I sometimes drove to the next county to a store where I was confident no one wouldContinue reading “Pornography”
Masks
As I am writing, today is Halloween. I loved Halloween as a kid. It meant costumes and candy. This morning one of my grandsons was running through the house in a Batman costume. It’s normal for kids to enjoy wearing masks and pretending to be someone else like a superhero or a cartoon character. OverContinue reading “Masks”