As we begin a new year soon, we are often reminded of the popular cultural custom of making resolutions for the rest of the year. Always intended to be a means for self-improvement, they are ultimately self-defeating. We more often than not fail to maintain our resolve for a new and better self because we do not have the endurance or discipline necessary to think in terms of an entire year.

And so as we learn in our recovery program, mostly 12 Step ones, that we must take things “one day at a time.” We can more easily comprehend the next 24 hours, or at least the stretch of hours until bedtime, than we can the next 365 days.

And therefore this is what we do. “Today I will not worry. I will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes.” Jesus says in Scripture:

Matthew 6:34: “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

(Via USCCB.)

Some things we remove from our options in dealing with others. Big things like drinking, murder, assault and rape. With regard to the rest: Have faith in the Lord. He will carry you through this day and the next. He did not bring you this far only to cast you aside before the race is over.

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Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)