Solstice and Arthur.

Tao 2

I had a good friend whom I met at a stage in his life where he was on the road back up from being in the very depths. He will not object to me telling you his name It was Arthur. His story was one That had a strong message for anybody who had fallen into hard times. For Arthur, it was alcohol that had led him to a very sorry state of being from which he, fortunately, managed to turn back from.

He told me of the time he came to his senses. He had been on a bender of a drinking spree that had ended up with him seeking solace in a hostel for homeless. Yes, it had got that bad. He dared not go home to his wife and family, not in the mess he was.

To cut a long story to its main point. He woke up lying on a dirty mattress in a large room with a great many others all smelling terrible and all either unconscious or looking for the first drink of the day.

As he looked down at himself he noticed he had wet his trousers during the night in such a state that he was he had been unaware of this until then. 

Speaking to nobody, in particular, he said,"Oh my I surely cannot get any further down than this," The voice of the man who had spent the night next to him said, "Just another six feet my friend, just another six feet."

THose words were the turning point for Arthur. Over the next five years, he and I working together managed to assist and rescue a number of people who had got caught up in various addictions. I remember him fondly and how he came to put his life together again. His daughter spoke to me just a few days ago, she spoke well of him and the lessons he taught her. 

yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the longest night. It is often a bitterly cold time with strong west winds causing untold damage. Winter is responsible for many deaths of all kinds, from cold to tragic accidents. 

But solstice is the lowest turn of the wheel. Things cannot go forever downward. There are limits to everything even cold and darkness, wind rain and tragedy.

They call the this the solstice, the first day of winter. Actually, it is the beginning of winter's death. From this day onward, we can look forward to warming and brightening days

No matter how bad things may seem there is always the possibility of a turning around, a new beginning. Solstice reminds us of this as does Arthur.

We need not make the journey alone not far from us wherever we are there is an Arthur waiting with an outstretched hand of friendship.

If anybody is feeling low, not looking forward to this time of the year. Remember the message of the solstice. "This too shall end my friend."

May you feel the hand of friendship with you today.