This is where the shortened version of the AA 3rd Step comes in to help
As time goes by and as happy, joyous, and free as I feel most of the time, occasionally forks in the road come up in my life. Snags such as frustration, indecision, physical pain or trauma, and a host of other conditions that living in this human experience brings do not help.
I have heard all of the advice that was given since joining AA. Most of it is given lovingly and may work sometimes. Problems may arise when I am going through a stressful situation. Or they suddenly seem to jump out of nowhere.
At these times, I can not remember the words to The Serenity Prayer. Or even how to effectively use the AA 3rd Step. My sponsors told me a long time ago to use the shortened version of the 3rd Step and simply say “God Help Me.”
The beauty is that, when I do, He does! This might take a little getting used to but is well worth whatever it takes to make it an automatic response.
I have an addictive personality. I am addicted to anything and everything that makes me feel good. Don’t set a plate of cookies in front of me and expect it to stay. Don’t let me buy a gallon of ice cream expecting it to last very long.
Offer me a pill and tell me that if I take it I will no longer be an alcoholic. Then my first thought will be “I wonder what two will do!”
This leads to what happened when I first started saying “God Help Me!” He did and I felt better and wanted much more because that is just what I do. I want more. I soon said “God Help Me” for darn near everything.
“God help me to drive this stretch of the road safely.” “God help me to say the right thing to this child who is having a problem.” “God help me to eat this meal without spilling it.” “God help me to take a good whatever!”
Soon, I began adding “Thank you, God” after everything good that happened to me or the ones around me. Today my life is filled with many more “Thank you, God,” than “God Help Me.”
In this way, I can work my program closer to 24/7/365 and not just when at meetings, church, or on my best behavior for someone. Soon the next right thing is not something that I have to seek. It just appears to me. If it is right!
Does this lead to the answer to how do I know if I am doing God’s will or my will? If I feel right, it is God’s will. If I am apprehensive at all, I step back and maybe reconsider. This is a very simple program for very complicated folks.
So, when I remember this, my life is filled with happiness, joy, and freedom. Not every day is filled with laughs, though.
But I am happy because I am not in the madness anymore no matter what is going on around me.
Joyous because as situations arise, I can now deal effectively with them.
And free because I am not under the influence of a mind-altering substance anymore.
All this comes from merely saying “God Help Me” and letting Him do just that. Just by staying out of His way. Thank you, God!