Bloggers note: I am continuing my weekly readings despite not being able to visit or speak to my dear friend in hospital. Visitors are restricted to family and she is not up to talking on the phone. Her son calls each week with an update on her situation, but I am really starting to miss our weekly chat and discussion on the random “pieces” I choose for her. This week, I found a little gem and it is probably a good one for all those attempting the Dry July challenge …. for us it is only a month of selective sobriety, but for the struggling alcoholic, it is a daily wrestle with cravings and desperation.

“One Day at a Time in Al-Anon” AA Family Group Inc USA – Reading for 5 July

My fate ………………

The poet Henley, in his challenging poem called Invictus, says: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” The first thing I notice is that he speaks of “my fate,” “my soul.”

If I have been behaving as though I were captain and master of anyone else, wouldn’t it be a good idea to turn my attention to managing myself?

I must also recognise, however, that my fate, and the state of my soul, doesn’t depend on me alone; I need the help of God or a greater being, to meet life’s challenges. Human wisdom alone is not adequate to make life wholly satisfying and successful.

God or this other power will take a hand in my life if I ask for guidance and allow myself to be receptive.