While our journey of recovery continues for us, Amazing new experiences become ours. Instead of t rying to rush through life as of old, Taking our time starts to become part of our lives. Instant gratification gives way to patience. Noww-this now and each now-becomes a treasure. Growing slowly replaces destroying quickly!
What seemed such a very difficult burden before-and was so difficult for many-we begin to discover in recovery as a necessary asset. That something is waiting. Rushing through life, instant gratification waas the pattern of life for us. Waiting we did with much agitation and annoyance, if at all. The results of that approach to life we all know only too well.
We needed change. We needed to learn to wait and to value waiting. Even now, most if not all of us need to improve in this regard. It is one of those things easy to talk about and hard to do. It is hard, but it is necessary, and g reat benefits come from it. The people who waited for so long for us to find recovery can attest to that.This weekend in these mountains is a perfect opportunty to learn about waiting. This is so as we witness the marvel of God's creation. The magnificence around us is here only because nature waited on the unfolding of God's plan for here. The beauty of the winter is here only because slowly spring led to summer; summer gave way to fall; and fall led us to an new winter. In the midst of this magnificent beauty today, reflect on the value of waiting.
As we experience the wonder born of waiting for nature, we can learn how waiting works for us as well. It leads us away from"I want what I want when I want it". It leads us to thoughtful condsideration and offers us patience. In this way, waiting lets us think before we act, and so helps us avoid many difficult and painful experiences. Even better, waititng leads us to plans that bring experiences that are productive and joyful. The truth is this: to choose waiting is to choose improving life. It is that simple. The question is: How do I do it?
A large part of the answer is by treasuring each momement. Seeing each momement as important helps us use each one well. Using all that I have right now, including this momement right now means I am doing what I can to build a better life. Getting so caught up in the past or the future that I lose the value of this moment now means I have lost this opportunity to grow forever.
Waiting-give it as a gift to yourself this weekend and beyound. Think of places and situations where you can treasure the value of the now moment, perhaps ones you have never considered before. Waiting moments can be times of planning, thinking, relaxing, praying. They're yours for the using. Use them well
Waiting-yes give it as a gift to yourself this weekend. Then take it home with you and let it live in your life.
WAITING- Questions To Think About
It is a gift- or is it?
What's good about it?
How can I use it?
What am I waiting for?
When do I wait?
How do I wait?
Is waiting valuable in recovery?
Is waiting necessary in recovery?
Isn't waiting just a waste of time?
Is waiting really one of the best things I can do?
how could that possibly be true?
Do i need to wait for God?
It is with much joy and gratitude that the Hezekiah Movement celebrates the return of summer! The past months have been a time of many blessing for us. Most important, was the opening of our first Island of Hope. It is through your great generosity and support that this has happened and now more and more people are getting help in their efforts to be free from addiction. We are most thankful to you for all the help you have given. Your help in the past has been so important for us to get this far.
Besides the blessing of our new Island of Hope, we have experienced a growth in the Hezekiah Movement retreats. These retreats are providing wonderful spiritual experiences for so many in recovery who have never had such oportunities before. In addiction, more men and women are joining in with us throughout the week for prayer and meditation and they are finding suupport and encouragement as they go forward in their new life of recovery from addiction. Again all this is possible because of your care and generosity.
Your help means so much to so many. I pray that you will be filled with Easter joy. May this Summer be a time of freedom, peace, hope and new life.
In Gratitude and Peace.
Fr. Joe