Living on the Right Side of the Saint Francis Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O’Devine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it’s in the dying that we are born to eternal life.

The opportunity is real. Our window to healing and sustainable recovery resides within our ability to give of ourselves, rather than take. When I’m living with my disease, I’m only concerned about what I can take from this world, my family, and my friends. In recovery, we each have an opportunity to be of service, to lead with love, and to be a safe container of love and tolerance for all life throws at us. 

This week I and so many other friends in the industry of mental health are suffering through a tremendous loss this past weekend of not one, but two dear and special souls. As we try and navigate, grieve, and hold space for one another we are reminded once again just how precious each day on this earth truly is. 

My intention is to live a life that both Danny & Fiona would be proud of. They both led with love in everything they did. Day in and day out, they had servant hearts, with no agenda. My late father taught me that as we each pass, it allows those still here in this earthly life to capture and honor someone else’s energy and make it part of their constitution. Honoring their lives with each remaining day we are gifted with. 

This is now my call to purpose for myself and anyone else who feels moved to walk through this life in a way that may bring peace to another hopeless addict/alcoholic. 

Peace,
Dirk