Expect Miracles

Long time ago in a far away land (Utah), I worked at a jail/drug treatment center. I think I've written about this before, because the prior sentence felt a little deja vu.

When people left the rehab center successfully starting the first three steps of the 12 step alcoholics anonymous program, the counselors would give them a special coin. It represents a few of the core concepts talked about in the program.

I received a coin when I quit working there to move back east. This picture was taken recently and so it is clear that I valued the meaning and the true nature of the gift.

This summer, I've taken this coin with me a few places. For Mormons, I guess a CTR ring or a YW necklace would serve a similar purpose - a reminder of a value or a principle.

I've needed this reminder lately. Faith can be hard to keep, especially when tested. But, each time I do those things that renew my faith and hope, it comes back. What a wonderful gift for each of us - all is not lost when despair, fear, pain, or mis-fortune befall us!

Perhaps a year or two from now I will relate all of the experiences of this year, along with all of the lessons learned. It's been tough, but some lessons are learned through experience and no other way. OK, well, sometimes we can bypass a few lessons, but some are required just to have credibility.

Right now I'm learning how to expect miracles - that will be what is required. The back of the coin is just as powerful:

"God grant me to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

Wisdom, my friends, that is what experience can bring as well - once I get over the failure to learn the same lessons over and over and over and over and .........


Serenity Now! - another catch phrase from the rehab. (-:



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