Hi all -

      Since it's raining here in sunny Kalifornia, I figured is is time to put away the sidewalk chalk and drag out the water colors. It's an interesting image in my minds eye. A man sitting on the front porch steps of a not-so-quiet avenue lined with small homes. There are kids playing across the street, a couple down on the corner having what appears to be a difference of opinion, An elderly woman having a bit of a hard time carrying a package into her house. A small kitten playing a rather dangerous game of tag with the cars going by. Yet he sits there, lost in thought and oblivious to everything happening. Looks as if He's been there a while and going to be there longer still...

     I've had a couple of not-so-random thoughts rattling around in my head of late (like  BB's in a boxcar) and figured it was high time to put them to some sembalance of words in a row.

     You know, tis a fact that life happens - whether or not we want it to (or want to admit to it). Altogether too often I get caught up in my own little world, well insulated from the trials and crises that arise in the lives of others. I start taking that path too well traveled, heading for self-pity and end up playing the role of Eeore. Not a good thing. So how do I stop that descent?

   Unlke days of yore, my answer today comes right out of the tools that I was given by the fellowship and a concentrated (often redoubled) effort to stay within God's will.

    Today, rather than dwelling on things I can do nothing about (but sit there, piss and moan about them) I look to those I see and give thanks to God for pointing me in their direction. These are my friends, both in and outside of the fellowship. Many I know well, others I met or interacted with for the first time. One of the most important things I can do for both myself and others is to pay attention. Why? For me, it gets me out of my own little corner of the world, remids me that I ain't the do-all end-all. For whomever I interact with - it tells them they are not alone. Mayhaps I don't understand the things they're facing in life right now, but I do care that they have to face them. They may not need experience, strength or hope, sometimes just a shoulder to lean on. Providing that shoulder to them gives me the strength I need to go on.

    I thank God for the travails I learn from. I thank him even more for the people that he places in my path to remind me that I must keep my perspective. Life is not all about me. It's about us. A very good thing for this drunk to remember...

Nuff said,

Dennis

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