Touchstones once were used to test the purity of gold and silver. Struck against high-grade metal, they would show a distinctive mark. The word touchstone evokes spiritual images of touching, making contact, having a solid base, and being a tangible reminder of truth. We all have touchstones in our lives -- our principles, a word from a friend, a favorite quotation against which we measure our own thoughts and actions.

I walked very tentatively into my first Twelve Step meeting eight years ago. I planned to learn what this Twelve Step program was about, use what I could, but not get personally involved.

Fortunately, spiritual growth takes us in surprising directions. I learned about the Steps, but I also made personal connections with others in the program. Being with other men who were allowing their lives to change under the spiritual guidance of the Steps and sharing our experiences as we applied the program to our daily lives led to my deep commitment. This program revived my flat spirit and saved my life. The combination of the principles of the program and my relationships with others on this journey caused great changes in my life.

In my daily spiritual life, I often become absorbed in my emotions and stress. My perspective gets skewed by the intensity of the immediate situation, or my denial blinds me. Repeatedly, the simple words of my friends and the Steps themselves serve as touchstones. To read a phrase or hear the comment of another person is like touching base. It brings me out of my confusion and serves as an external reference point that helps me recall the path and return to it. I hope these daily thoughts will serve that purpose for you.

Spiritual awakening reaches all corners of ourselves, including our masculinity. It raises questions and makes us see ourselves in new ways. I am deeply grateful to all the men in our Thursday meeting for the open discussions we've had on the Twelve Steps and on our issues as men in a spiritual program. The touchstones from our searching dialogues are my base, and they are reflected throughout these meditations.

The dialogue continues, and that is the life of this program. We continue to find touchstones that speak to us in our particular situations, and then we pass them on to others. As you read these daily thoughts, I hope they ignite new possibilities for you and strengthen you on your path.

This book, like our recovery, could never happen through one person's individual efforts. It is the product of our Higher Power working through many people willing to give and to believe. I am grateful to the Hazelden editorial staff for the excellent work they have done. Many friends in the program have contributed their favorite quotations for this collection. Others have read portions of the draft, added their thoughts, and prayed for me and this project. Some gave me their vote of confidence, believing I could respond with what this creation called for. Though you shall remain anonymous here, you know who you are, and I am grateful for your help. And to my wife and my daughters who have patiently supported me and contributed to this project: "Thanks, I love you dearly."

-- M. A. F.