The catastrophic devastation that is ravaging Japan right now has to make you stop and think. As scenes of desperation keep coming in, the possible nuclear meltdown of 2 of Japan's 12 reactors is surreal. As Americans we see the images and it looks like a made-for TV movie. We tune in, watch with care, then switch the channel to our favorite show and make a sandwich. With the exception of 9/11 and hurricane Katrina we have been very lucky when it comes to acts of God and natural disaster.
In recovery the focus is on staying "clean" day-to-day. The reasoning is that the addict has too many yesterdays and the regret and uncertainty of the future creates anxiety. Living in this one day at a time mentality has made my life better. Not only in reducing my desire to use or drink but in the total of my very existence. How many events like the ones in Japan, Haiti, Thailand, New Zealand, Iran, Pakistan, India and other countries devastated by disaster must we see before we change our focus from me, Me, ME to us, Us, US! Somewhere along the line we have thought of ourselves as unique and almost immune to catastrophe.
I'm proud to hear "God Bless America" and all the other patriotic songs that fill our stadiums and media. I wish we could open our minds and open our blessings to all nations in this world. The planet is getting smaller by the day through commerce, trade and communications. The impact of the tsunami in Japan will effect our world economy. The unrest in the Middle East has brought gas price up almost 30 cents a gallon. We are not isolationists in our Capitalistic goals. We need to think of ourselves as part of the earth. Not the center of the earth!
In addiction the addict thinks that the world revolves around them. It is all about their feelings, desires, needs and simply getting what they want when they want it. I sometimes feel like we have this it's-America-and-the-rest-of-the-universe mentality. America acts as if it's Earth and the rest of the world revolves in its orbit. Last I checked Jesus was born in Israel and grew up in Egypt and Nazareth. I have yet to read about him living in Cleveland. Some say he appeared in Utah but that is another blog. Christianity itself migrated from the Middle East to Western Europe to the United States. We live in the greatest country in the world but the last few words are "in the world."
We seem to have hijacked Jesus and God's blessings for America. When there is a crisis we open our hearts to other nations but we should be thinking about everyone all the time. In most countries when they say they have nothing to eat, they really have nothing to eat. When we stand in front of our fridge or pantry saying there is nothing to eat, that really means we have so many differnt items to eat but some particular one isn't exciting our taste buds. We take much for granted here. I do too. We have it pretty good here.
All of life is lived only a day at a time whether you're an addict or an earthling. Accidents, medical crisis, drunk drivers, disease and nature makes all of us viable candidates for death every day. If you're like me I always sat around talking about the things I would do "tomorrow" or when "I retire." The point is we miss a lot of todays due to yesterdays we won't let go of and tomorrows that may never come. How are you with those in your orbit today? Did you wake up mad at your mom, kids, spouse or neighbor? How important is it? I live my life thinking that each time I see someone may be my last so I try to leave it on a good note.
Recovery focuses on mending fences and squaring things with the people in our past and present. This is a great way to think for anyone. Maybe the addicts are onto a pretty good idea. We are also taught to give of ourselves to others first. We are all selfish at heart, wanting the most comfort for ourselves and families. Screw the neighbors. In today's world most of us only know a few of our neighbors. Most of them we see and wave politely as we drive past. We have gone from the United States to the What-about-me nation. I don't think there are nations and states in heaven. I think all colors and sizes have equal access. I feel that America is a part of God's great plan. I know we will all stand alone before our maker and I don't think Gabriel checks passports or bank accounts before our arrival.
Try living life like an addict, day to day. It really is a great way to live. It reduces stress and anxiety about tomorrow. It relieves us of guilt, shame and remorse of our past. Make things right with those you are fighting with. Even if they're wrong your happiness is being affected by the riff. Don't let people live in your head rent free. Love people. Play with your kids. Think of how you can add something positive to the universe today. We live in the greatest country in the world so we should also be the leaders in love, peace and understanding. The plans you haven't gotten around to with your kids should be done now. See the beauty in each sunrise. Give thanks at the end of the day for another day of life. Every day is the present. Spread the gift around. May God Bless us ALL!
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