Time Is Valuable to Those in Recovery!

As last minute presents are purchased and traffic backs up on major roads, time flies by. Christmas deadlines press in on the procrastinators. In the next few days, many of us will take some time off from work to enjoy this Christmas Season and our families. Between Christmas and the New Year Celebrations, many companies reduce their hours and allow employees extra time off. What will we do with that time? Time is a gift.  How will we use it well?

The New Year lies just around the corner.  As the year 2008 ends, another year in time has passed. Those of us in recovery know how valuable Holidays and changes in Seasons are to our recoveries.  They can be times of victory or times of regret.  

It is necessary to have times of busyness and preparation.  It is also necessary to have times of rest and reflection.  During these important times, let's remember the blessings and victories that have brought us to the place where we are today, not forgetting to journal and pray and work the steps.  

I was driving home from an appointment this afternoon.  I took the slower, more scenic, route that winds around the lake and goes through the hills. Somewhere in the drive, I decided to look at the last colors on the trees before the latest cold front removed the last bits of color. I was not driving the full speed limit, instead choosing to enjoy the view at every turn.  As I thanked the Lord for His beauty, and that I live in the warmer climate of Texas, I rounded the last corner of the Lake to head for home.  As I leisurely rounded that last corner, there rose up within me an answer to a question I had been praying about for weeks. It was in that quiet drive that the "a-ha" hit me deep within my spirit, a place beyond all reasoning.  I knew at that moment I had that new breakthrough that I had been seeking. The rest of the drive was a a time of tears and prayers of thanksgiving.

I believe that there are many breakthroughs (God moments) waiting to happen during this Christmas Season. My prayer is that not one opportunity for growth and maturity will be missed!  I pray that each of us will represent Celebrate Recovery, and what our Lord and Savior has done in us, well!  

As the New Year is approaching, don't forget to secure your place in a Celebrate Recovery One Day Seminar near you! 2009 is going to be an awesome year, but let's make the most of the rest of this year!

Christmas Blessings to each of you and your families,

Paula:)