I was a devout atheist until my 30s when I finally entered a 12 Step program for eating disorders. Learning and practicing the program principles, I eventually came to believe in a power greater than myself. It was quite a revelation that I could choose my own concept of God, and even the name(s). That opened up a myriad of possibilities and my concept of this Power is multifaceted and  has fluctuated over the years. I’ve even subscribed to more than one concept at a time, having learned that many paradoxes exist in this life and that’s okay. Additionally, nothing is impossible for God or with God! Spirit is everywhere present, always present, within me, and all around me.

The aforementioned came to mind with today’s reading in “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery (*As We Understand God).” In part:

“All of us have experienced times when we felt forsaken, when we were no longer certain that a Higher Power really existed, was present within us, and in charge of our life.”

It seems to me that my concept of Higher Power and philosophy of life are continually leading me down one path or another and it is up to me to choose what works in the given circumstances. Like believing there is a blessing in every situation even when things appear so gloomy… There is a Higher Plan for the upliftment of all… Looking at life as a classroom and everything that occurs is an opportunity to learn… Or, I signed up for this gig so I get to experience the full array of Life’s offerings. Or, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a spit in the bucket.

I can pause and take a deep breath, grateful and joyful to be alive regardless of what is happening around me. It takes practice, I know. But, I’ve come to learn that my life is really lived on the inside, not the outside. How I respond to people and situations determines my road to joy and peace or sorrow and upheaval.

And, when I do feel alone, I have the power and imagination to feel Spirit’s love and peace in an instant. Feel It within me and around me, always present, always available. Spirit is the Law of Good, neutral, playing no favorites, wanting only the highest good for each and every one of us.