Strength Offices 684

Inventory, Prayer and Service are what is necessary for me to stay abstinent and
“reasonably happy” as the long version of the Serenity Prayer says.

Fasting and chastity kick spirituality into overdrive and a clarity, freedom and lightness appear that doesn’t show up in any other way.

Strength Offices 685

Inventory and gratitude:

There are four things that I historically like, that make me feel good physically:

Lying down relaxing after a five mile run.

Hot water of a shower hitting my back.

New strings on my guitar.

And…sex.

But, God has seen fit to add a new, sweet, pleasure in my life.

As I spend time fasting, I find that 3 ounces of cold, distilled water is absolutely, delectable tasting, for me.

Thank you for the little things, Lord.

Strength Offices 686

Step Seven…Balance and humility

I have been known, as all addicts are, to be extreme.

“He is arrogant and never at rest, because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied.”

This is best description of the character defect of greed I’ve ever read.

It’s from the ancient Jewish prophet Habakkuk.

On the other hand…I want to be responsible as a man, husband and father.

Unemployment and the rent moratorium end in the next 30 and 60 days, respectively.

I am grateful for the opportunities to grow that these two services have provided.

God, Help me be thankful and responsible…but, not “arrogant and never at rest”. Amen

Strength Offices 687

I watched the 1946-1966 cartoon series Heckle and Jeckle with my son Gummy who will be two years old in 25 days.

He had a cold and was kind of fading in and out.

I cleaned him up and fed him…one bite at a time.

When I was deep in my narcissism and religious addiction and fat as a pig I used to go around telling everyone what to do.

Jesus, I was sick…

But, God cleaned me up and fed me…one bite at a time.

Strength Offices 688

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure.”
Lao Tze

Treasure = something highly valued.

So, “greatest treasure” is greatest valued.

HP, help me to stay content, just for today, three hours at a time…Amen.