Wireless Internet

A few years ago, we moved to a tiny rural town that has a lot of old time charm. Life is much slower paced here and, with a little planning along with the Internet, I rarely miss the conveniences offered in the city. Since we are within walking distance of the grocery, drug and hardware stores even bad weather isn't much of a big deal. We even know our neighbors by name!

Along with the slower pace, we don't have the same sense of urgency, or the need to do things Right Now, or be constantly on the go like we were in the city. It is rather nice to have the woman next door stop by to see if I want to go with her to local garage sales. All in all, we are glad we made the move.

The technology that has made wireless Internet possible is truly remarkable. I use my computer quite a bit and really appreciate being able to go online pretty much whenever I need or want to do so. A little box appears in the corner of my screen that tells me the strength of the Internet connection; Very low, low, moderate, good, very good and excellent. Nice to know, especially since a signal isn't always guaranteed in our little town. And I can change the strength of signal by moving my laptop around the house (or even outside) if I want a stronger signal.

In Alcoholics Anonymous we learn that we have a daily reprieve from drinking that is contingent upon the maintenance of our spiritual condition. That means that we never have to drink again so long as we keep communicating with our Higher Power and ask Him to stay close to us - every single day. Actually how well I handle any given situation during the day reflects my spiritual condition. When I'm doing what I believe the old HP wants me to do and I keep Him close enough to guide my thoughts and actions throughout the day, the day tends to go smoother.

There have been some rather stressful events in my life over the past year. I've discovered that, like Bill Wilson, one of AA's founders, I can get distracted by worldly clamors and my spiritual connection falters. Worldly clamors are draining to my spirit and, if I'm not careful, I can get perilously close to spiritual bankruptcy. If that happens, I'm likely to drink because there will come a time when the only thing that stands between me and a drink is my Higher Power. And if my spirit is drained there isn't anything to protect me from the insanity of that first drink.

The problem for me is that I don't seem to notice I'm low on spirituality until I'm restless, irritable and discontent. Even then, I sometimes need to have it pointed out to me by friends in recovery. These are the same friends that expect me to do the same for them. ('We' of the program in action.)

So! Here's what I'm thinking: Let's get the old HP to set up His own little box that will pop up on each of our screens notifying us of the strength of our spiritual connection! All those in favor say "Aye".

Have a good and sober day.