The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming – not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. ~ Hebrews 10:1-4 (NIV)

It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism.  ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 85

Wake praying,
turning life
and the living it over to God,
Move through the day
surrendering again, then again.
Yesterday’s piety
counts for nothing,
commitments coming tomorrow,
next year,
fifty years out
count for nothing.
Today matters,
just this day,
just this surrender,
just today’s willingness
and peace.

God, I’m an errant toddler
straying from safety,
forgetting the peace
of compliance,
of surrender.
Show me.