The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not already, but there is much, very much, which though I cannot give it, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today. Take heaven. No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this precious little instant. Take peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach is joy. There is radiance and courage in the darkness could we but see; and to see, we have only to look.
Life is so generous a giver, but we, judging its gifts by their coverings, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love, and wisdom, and power. Welcome it, greet it, and you touch the angel's hand that brings it.
Everything we call a trial, a sorrow, a duty, believe me, that angel's hand is there, the gift is there, and the wonder of an overshadowing Presence. Our joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts. Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering, that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven.
Courage, then, to claim it, that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims wending through unknown country our way home.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, not quite as the world sends greeting, but with profound esteem now and forever.
The day breaks and the shadows flee away.
-Christmas greeting from a letter written by Italian friar and painter Giovanni da Fiesole (Fra Angelico) 1387-1455
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"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." - Woodrow Wilson
(((((TH))))) Thank you for this beautiful Christmas message. It was just what I needed today.
I have spent the most peaceful Christmas Day ever, and although I have been alone, I did NOT feel lonely at all. My day really has been as Giovanni described and it was amazingly beautiful too.
I know of Giovanni de Fiesole work, some of his paintings are most wonderful.
I return blessings to you too. HB
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"The highest form of wisdom is kindness." The Talmund
I am delighted the message brought some meaning to others.
Jerry, my mother gave me a copy of that in 1986 when I first started my journey of recovery. She has no idea how much it has come to mean to me over the years, and all year round too!
It has gotten me through many tough periods in my life :)
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"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." - Woodrow Wilson
