A Diamond

The minimum number of cuts that a diamond is required to have in order to meet certain specifications is 52. As gift, I recently received a very beautiful diamond pendant. This diamond was not ordinary. It had 72 cuts or 72 beautiful facets with which to reflect the many colors of light.

My life as an addict was full of bumps and bruises. It was unmanageable. I was insane. Many times I hurt or "cut" myself deeply. It often seemed as if I had many more cuts than most. Then somehow, someway, my Higher Power took those very cuts and fashioned me into a “diamond”. I no longer regret my past, nor wish to shut the door on it. Somehow, I see that my past and my experiences as an addict can now be used to benefit others. I reflect what I have received. I reflect the beautiful light of recovery

Crocuses

I planted bulbs last fall. They didn’t look like much. They looked dried and dead. They certainly didn’t look like flowers.

In late winter a miraculous thing happened. While it was still frosty, little green shoots started to peek themselves out of the cold hard ground. Soon buds formed. Then the crocus blooms appeared. They lifted their heads, a joyous demonstration of God’s creation.

My life as an addict didn’t look like much either. Then the opportunity for a new way was offered to me. While my defects were still glaring, the miracle of sobriety was given to me. Then, little by little, a life of recovery started to bloom. What a wondrous thing! I am now able, by the grace of God, to stand tall, joyous and free.