Day to Day

It’s been a good month for me in Edinburgh. I’ve been sitting here trying to think of one nice story to be able to share with you all that could sum it up but I’ve come to the conclusion that it has been good because I’m simply enjoying day to day life. So here’s some random stuff I’ve been up to and thinking about… :)

We’ve been busy at the centre restoring the TV room upstairs. I was excited my years of going to work camps came in handy! We took out the carpet and polished the original wood floors underneath. We also painted the walls and put some nice photography up. New curtains, pillows, and tele too! This is the room we have devotions, groups, and staff meetings in so it’s been nice to have a fresh new look in a room we spend so much time in. The centre is a very old house that used to be a bed in breakfast back in thes day. It hadn’t been redone for a REALLY long time so it was much needed and a huge blessing (especially during this credit crunch!!).

I’ve had a couple more run-ins on the street with random people -some who are looking for money and others who have just had a bit too much to drink. I’ve come to really appreciate my cell phone and have learned not to leave my flat without it. It doesn’t seem too uncommon these days to call 999 (emergency). I’m not sure if this is because I’ve just become more aware of people around me and seeing the reality of living in a city or if it’s just the time of year. Whatever it is, I’m happy to be of assistance!

This past month we said good bye to one of our residents who had been in the centre the longest out of any of the current residents. He was there for about a year and has since moved in to his own flat. He is doing great and will soon be moving to America to get married and live. I think we all miss his since of humor and the joy he brought to the house but are most definitely SO proud of him! What an encouragement and testimony he has to share now with the rest of the guys.

Another one of the residents who recently moved in has just started the groups. He has been to the centre before and gone through the 12 step program for recovery but has just recently accepted and completed step 1: We have admitted we are powerless over our addiction and our lives have become unmanageable. Keith Miller, the author of the book “A Hunger for Healing,” says: “people in the Twelve-Step programs know that until you’re hurting enough, the steps won’t work for you. But for the fortunate sufferer, there comes a time when he or she says, “I’ve got to get well. I can’t stand living like this anymore.” And that is when one is ready for the miracles of the Twelve Steps.” I find so much truth in that quote and really see it is a miracle for guys to accept and believe in each step.

On a different note-with all the deep thoughts, self reflecting, learning, analyzing life situations, experiences, in depth conversations, questions, and seriousness going on in the centre, the staff team recognizes the healing power laughter and fun have in recovery. Whether we’re drawing fake glasses on our faces with black markers, dancing in the kitchen while doing the dishes, playing pool, singing praise songs, going out on day trips, or just sitting around laughing at everyday things that turn funny, we like to have a good time!

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24