~SPIRITUAL NOT RELIGIOUS~ A DAY AT A TIME

06/17 REFLECTION FOR THE DAY
Readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Nine.  A casual apology, on the one hand, will rarely suffice in making amends to one we have harmed; a true change of attitude, in contrast, can do wonders to make up for past unkindnesses.  If I've deprived anyone of any material thing, I'll acknowledge the debt and pay it as soon as I'm able.  WILL I SWALLOW MY PRIDE AND MAKE THE FIRST OVERTURES TOWARD RECONCILIATION?

TODAY I PRAY
God, show me the best ways to make "direct amends."  Sometimes simply admitting my mistakes may make it up to someone and unload my own simmering guilt.  Other times restitution may take some creative thought.  May I be wholly aware that I cannot take this Ninth Step unless I develop some caring, some real concern about how others feel, along with changes in my behavior.

TODAY I WILL REMEMBER
First I care, then I apologize.