A Wing and a Prayer: Finding Serenity in Daily Planning

 

Sometimes, it feels as if my day just happens—unfolding beyond my control, dictated by circumstances rather than intention. Today was one of those days. I needed the services of a plumber, yet my schedule was already packed with commitments. What to do?

Step 1: Clarify the Priority of Needs

When chaos looms, the first step is to determine what truly matters. Without addressing the most pressing issue—finding a plumber—everything else on my to-do list held little value.

Step 2: Tackle the First Priority

Once I established my main priority, the next step was action. I needed to find a plumber before worrying about the rest of the day's obligations.

Step 3: Communicate and Adapt

Knowing that my schedule might shift, I reached out to those who could be affected, arranging for necessary adjustments and ensuring that critical tasks were still handled. Flexibility is key to maintaining serenity.

Step 4: Surrender to a Higher Power

At a certain point, I had to let go and trust that things would work out. This approach, deeply rooted in the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, reminds me of the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

These steps are not just about managing a busy day; they are a way of life. Acceptance, courage, and wisdom are not confined to recovery but are essential in everyday decisions. Leaning on a Higher Power transforms stress into peace, uncertainty into clarity.

Faith in Action

President Henry B. Eyring once said:
"First, pray. Pray for those you lead, pray for those you serve, pray for opportunities, understanding, and blessings often. Lean on the Lord heavily, and He will bless you in your calling."

Approaching life with a wing and a prayer shifts overwhelming challenges into manageable events. When we embrace faith, prioritize wisely, and remain flexible, even the most chaotic days can become opportunities for growth and grace.

By trusting in a Higher Power, we find that daily planning is not just about managing time—it’s about cultivating serenity in the face of life’s uncertainties.

To Speak Truth with Kindness

There are times when I would like to force someone, for expediency’s sake, to modify their behavior. However, it does not take much reflection to realize that this approach is often met with resistance. Through the wisdom shared in Alcoholics Anonymous, I have learned that there is an easier, softer way. The Big Book states, “We cease fighting anything or anyone—even alcohol.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 84). 

So, how do we change our approach? The answer lies in faith over fear. The Big Book further teaches, “We ask Him, our Higher Power, to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be.” (p. 68). Fear often leads us to speak truth in a harsh way, but faith allows us to embrace gentle honesty.  Don Miguel Ruiz reminds us of the power of our words: 

“Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”  

Even as children, we are taught the importance of personal responsibility and choice. Dr. Seuss put it simply:  

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go.” This journey of change was not one I learned overnight. Through attending meetings and sponsoring others, I have come to understand that progress requires patience. Friedrich Nietzsche expressed it well: “One cannot fly into flying.” Growth happens in stages—first, we stand, then walk, run, climb, and eventually soar. 

Practicing Restraint with Love 

Spiritual growth calls for restraint, not out of fear, but out of love, hope, and charity. Scripture and doctrine guide me in this pursuit: 

• Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” 

• Our words should build up, not tear down. 

• Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-42 – “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.” 

• True leadership and influence come not from force but through gentleness and love. 

• Ether 12:27 – “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” 

• Weaknesses become strengths when we submit to God's grace. 

Through experience, I have come to understand that speaking truth with kindness is not about avoiding the truth—it is about delivering it with grace, patience, and love. When we surrender our need to control others and instead focus on embodying spiritual principles, we find peace within ourselves and foster real change in those around us. 

May we all learn to speak truth with kindness, practicing restraint not out of fear, but out of love. 

Your Own Drummer

This week, I had experiences with various unique people. Most were recovering from either the disease of alcoholism or from a hard drug addiction. What struck me was how uniquely different each one was from another and how each of them had stories about different histories of family and types of drugs they used prior to coming into recovery. 

I was reminded of a quote from Henry David Thoreau: 

 "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." 

Here, Thoreau encourages individuality and self-expression. He suggests that if someone does not conform to society’s expectations or follow the same path as others, it may be because they are guided by their own unique inner calling or vision. Rather than forcing them to conform, we should respect their personal journey and allow them to follow the “music” that resonates with them, no matter how unconventional or distant it may seem. It is a celebration of independence, self-trust, and authenticity. 

  The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous echoes this sentiment: 

 "We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful."-- Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Chapter 2, There Is a Solution 

 This powerful statement highlights how people from all walks of life can find unity in a shared purpose, despite their different backgrounds. My point is further supported by the writings of philosophers and Theologians: 

1. Aristotle wrote: "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." 

1. Marcus Aurelius observed: "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth."  

1. Revelation 7:9-10, John comments on the possibility of a diverse world: "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb..." 

1.  Elder Quentin L. Cook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity."  

       These words remind us that embracing different perspectives and respecting diversity of thought is a sign of wisdom and growth.   All around us are examples of the value of individual opinion and lifestyles. It seems a shame not to consider the advantages of independent thought. Consider the blessings of our diversity in art, music, and creative genius—this country thrives in every aspect of life because of it.   

         In our communities, recovery groups, and society at large, we thrive when we recognize that unity does not require sameness. Instead, it flourishes when we respect and celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. By embracing our differences, we enrich our collective experience, allowing each of us to follow the rhythm of our own drummer while still marching forward together. 

Good Morning