March 26

FAITH MONTH: DAY 26: “Faith is about doing. You are how you act, not just how you believe.” ― Mitch Albom

If I believe I am a sober, responsible, spiritually growing, and beloved child of a Universal Power, then I am going to act differently than someone who believes these things are struggles or difficult.

I want to walk in Faith and Gratitude. If I have one, I must have the other. That is what I practice every day. I accept all that occurs in my life as a gift. Every moment, no matter what my judgmental mind may say.

Ego tells me that there are problems all around. I choose not to listen to that, so that I may live in nothing but the joy of the moments that come up and go. I want to be in full appreciation of all of what is occurring, without labeling it good or bad, right or wrong, necessary or not necessary. I do not know what is best for my highest good. I never have.

That is where I let go of MY running the show and walk into each moment, knowing that my highest good has been served each moment of life thus far. And that it will most likely continue on that path. I am not a good judge of life. I think I should have goodies and treats for every meal. Guess what would happen to me if I follow that path…of course…I will blow up my physical body.

I remember the old saying in the rooms when I got here; “If you like what you are getting, keep doing what you are doing.” I really want to live like THAT. I love having good health, so I exercise my body every day in ways that strengthen and stretch it, so it doesn’t seize up on me. Then I do mindful exercises for my brain for the same purpose.

I eat really good foods, all fresh and cooked at home by me. I grow some of it and get yummy food at the market that nourishes me. I actually like it better and can tell instantly when I eat food that is dense and full of nasty stuff. I feel nasty. Interesting how sensitive I have become to what once was habitual misuse of my body.

I was fond of cigarette smoke long after I quit. Now it makes me ill. And it really stinks. So, these things are my practice of faith. I believe I am a beloved child of God, so I treat myself very, very well. That is the proof I see of who has faith and who does not. There are several things I can see that give me an idea of where people are in their spiritual development. These are a few.

It is easy to spot where people believe their sources lie. In doctors who tell them to take handfuls of pills, in their employer, in their bank account or their appearance. It shows in a lot of ways.

I am not my job or my employer. I am not my bank account or my physical appearance. I am not my stories. I am not defined by you or what you think of me. I am not worthy or unworthy, as you may see it. I am a beloved child of a magnificent Power who pulled me out of the gutter and brought me to you. I did what you offered as a way out of that gutter for good.

I grabbed it and did what was there to do. I want to wear out the steps. I want to work them until it is all used up. What happens is they grow and ask for more of me. I LOVE what I am getting, so I keep doing what I have done. What a great life!