by Minister Gordon Street
As I approach 38 years of sobriety, one lesson from Alcoholics Anonymous continues to guide me: my spiritual life needs daily attention. The years have given me experience, but I still need to practice what helps me live well today. I need honesty when I would rather avoid something, humility when I need help, and willingness to release what I cannot control. Recovery has taught me that spiritual growth happens in the choices I make throughout an ordinary day.
These practices have something to offer everyone. Honesty asks, “What am I feeling, and what am I avoiding?” Humility asks, “Where do I need help?” Surrender asks, “What am I trying to control that isn’t mine to control?” Accountability invites us to acknowledge and repair harm. Connection makes room to listen—to God, another person, or our own conscience. Service asks what we can offer without needing recognition. We can bring these questions into our homes, congregations, workplaces, and communities.
Recovery Spirituality in Action is my ministry of presence, listening, and love. I help people connect or reconnect with the God of their understanding and put spiritual principles into practice in everyday life. For me, spiritual maintenance is a way of responding to unconditional love and freely given grace. We keep learning, asking for help, and returning to what sustains us. Whatever your spiritual path, I invite you to begin with one question: What needs my attention today? If you would like to explore these practices together, I welcome you to reach out.