“There is no greater joy nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.”
– Sister Mary Rose Mc Geady (1928 – ) rebuilder of Covenant House for teens in crisis
Today’s SFZ
THE GREATEST REWARD OF ALL – “By helping others we find the reward of self-respect, as we are able to share these lessons with other members … .” “We cannot deny other addicts their pain, but we can carry the message of hope that was given to us … .” (The Basic Text, p. 52) on the Pay Back
How have you experienced your own, “Big Pay Back” of joy, lately?
The Big Pay Back (James Brown – intro w/ Wolfman Jack)
Covenant House Helping Homeless Teens (2:05)
The Rewards of Nature at Huffman Lake Meditation (14:39)
The Fox and The Stork :
In order to pay back a debt, the fox had to invite the stork over the dinner, even though he did not really want to. He made a tasty soup, but he served it up in a very shallow dish and the stork’s long beak could hardly reach to get hold of any of it.
Like a true lady, the stork did not complain and even invited the fox to dinner with her. The stork in her turn cooked a delicious meal, but she served it in a tall narrow goblet that the fox could not even get his nose into. So he did not get anything to eat.
“If you play dirty tricks on people, then you must expect to have them played on you as well.” (http://www.english-for-students.com/The-Fox-and-The-Stork-1.html)
Making “a fundamental difference in someone’s life.” I did not realize I had made any difference in anyone’s life until yesterday when one of the ladies in the Program shared that she kept coming back because I hugged her at one of her early meetings. I was shocked! I always pray for my Higher Power to Open and Guide my mind, eyes, ears, tongue, arms, heart, soul and spirit. I had no idea that adding the part about my arms could or would make a difference. I guess sometimes I just have to take it on faith…and love. Namaste.
James Brown really makes me smile the way he sings .. THE BIG PAY BACK. For me, it drips with irony. Its as if, revenge and retribution are mocked as the highest form of compensation we can get.
The Big Payoff! Sounds too good to be true. And yet, the moment I volunteer to make the coffee, put out the literature, lead a meeting, talk to a stranger about hope, I reconnect – I recover – I heal. The road ain’t easy. The road is not short. It is a lifelong process and I do not need to look into the future years ahead. All I need to do is give of myself and to myself – one day at a time.