AA *Effort Vs. Relaxation

This reading from AA's, "24 Hours A Day" (Aug. 8th) points out to us how lucky we are to have the Big Book for constant program refreshment. It poses the question, "Have I studied the Big Book faithfully?" Then, in the "Meditation for the Day", we are reminded that there are times we're called to exert great effort and times for enjoying great rest. Our work with our Higher Power is there to help us find the delicate balance of these two important calls to action.

Transcript

24 hours a day.

AA thought for the day.

For a while,

We're going back to the Big Book,

Alcoholics Anonymous,

And pick out passages here and there so that they may become fixed in our minds a little at a time,

Day by day,

As we go along.

There is no substitute for reading the Big Book.

It is our Bible.

We should study it thoroughly and make it a part of ourselves.

We should not try to change any of it.

Within its covers is the full exposition of the AA program.

There is no substitute for it.

We should study it often.

Have I studied the Big Book faithfully?

Meditation for the Day.

All of life is a fluctuation between effort and rest.

You need both every day.

But the effort is not truly effective until first you have had the proper preparation for it,

By resting in a time of quiet meditation.

This daily time of rest and meditation gives you the power necessary to make your best effort.

There are days when you are called on for much effort.

And then comes a time when you need much rest.

It is not good to rest too long,

And it is not good to carry on great effort too long without rest.

The successful life is a proper balance between the two.

Prayer for the Day.

I pray that I may be ready to make the proper effort.

I pray that I may also recognize the need for relaxation.