Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
“If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These questions posed by Rabbi Hillel have tripped me up more than a time to two in my life. In fact, I can think of few questions that are as vexing. My sense of self, who I think I am, is … Continue reading The Rabbi’s Question
In the spring of 1986, about twenty minutes into a flight from Seattle to Denver, the captain came on the intercom and abruptly announced he’d just received word there might be an explosive device on our plane. He told us we would be immediately returning to Seattle and he “hoped” to have us on the ground in 30 minutes. I remember an audible murmur ran … Continue reading A Song To Sing
A happenstance is defined simply as a chance encounter. Some happenstances we remember for a lifetime, others we forget quickly, and then there are those few that miraculously change our lives forever. Here’s the story of a miraculous happenstance that ricocheted through history, saving the lives of millions — even my own. It began with a man named Rowland Hazzard. Rowland was born In 1881 … Continue reading The “Happenstance” of Sobriety
Charles Dickens’s novel, A Tale of Two Cities, opens with the classic description of the age leading up to the French Revolution. It speaks of a world in chaos and turmoil where contradictory pressures moved with equal and opposite force in a world with no North Star. The novel has been read and reread since it was first published in 1845, and as these same … Continue reading The Best of Times, The Worst of Times
I discovered my grandson Sam has the spirit of a caterpillar. Just as a caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful butterfly, little Sam is on his journey toward being transformed into a mighty man. Wow! It’s an amazing process to witness, impossible to understand, and endlessly fascinating. I find myself hoping Sam might have an easy time finding his wings. But all indications are Mother … Continue reading Why the Heck Do We Have to Struggle?