My journey in recovery has taken me places I never could have imagined and continually placed opportunities for growth and discovery about myself and other before me on a daily basis. A few years back this journey gave me the opportunity to work with the students of the Family Foundation School.
I’m amazed by the difficulties and challenges the students arrive at the school with. Each individual story has a level of “soul suffering” that seems beyond what is fair for an adolescent. I say this without judging who is at fault for the particular predicament. Regardless of the causes, these situations continually expand my capacity for empathy. They also make it clear that the challenge at the heart of the “Serenity Prayer” is a rigorous spiritual discipline:
…the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”
While there are never guarantees in this line of work, on a daily basis I remain grateful for the opportunity to share my experience, strength and hope.
-Richard R.
Putting the Pieces Together