Narcotics Anonymous

Just For Today - Daily Email Service

   October 5                                       Ask for mercy, not justice

   "Many of us have difficulty admitting that we caused harm for others...
        We cut away our justifications and our ideas of being a victim.

                                                            Basic Text, p. 38

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   Our lives are progressing nicely.  Things are going good, and each year in
   recovery brings more material and spiritual gifts.  We may have a little
   money in the bank, a new car, or a committed relationship.   We have a
   little self-confidence, and our faith in a Higher Power is growing.

   Then, something happens.  Someone breaks into our new car and steals the
   stereo, or the  person we're in  the relationship with  becomes
   unfaithful.  Right away, we feel victimized.  "Where's the justice?"
   we wail.  But if we take a look back on our own behavior, we may find that
   we've been guilty of doing what's just been done to us.  We realize we
   wouldn't really want justice-not for ourselves, and not for others.
   What we want is mercy.

   We thank a loving God for the compassion we've been shown, and we take
   the time to appreciate all the precious gifts that recovery brings.

                           ----=----

   Just for today:  I  will pray for mercy, not justice.  I am grateful for
   the compassion I've been shown, and will offer mercy to others.