Since entering and working my program in AA I have rejoiced. Cried. Loved. Fought. Been proper. Been politically incorrect, Laughed with (and not at). Held hands both physically and emotionally. Been loved. Repulsed. Seen people close to me transition. Had cancer. Had close ones with cancer. Called great names. Called a liar. Left a marriage that was more a 16 year divorce that was just waiting to happen. Remarried and now am enjoying a family situation that I never, even in my childhood, believed was even thinkable for me. Successfully sponsored a few and unsuccessfully sponsored many more. I am not unique at all. Many of you have done and been more, less, and the same. It seems that, once we began changing our thinking, we really did change our lives.
I came into this amazing program kicking and screaming. Now, I am thinking that there may be a few that may be able to gain something from my super highs and super lows. If asked, I don’t sugar coat anything. I tell it just like I see it. If one doesn’t want to get my honest opinion they shouldn’t ask. If asked, and I see that this may cause a problem, I usually will warn by asking if they really want to hear what I think.
Now, with all this, my answer to the question asked in the topic about what do I now do with all this information about my spirituality is I totally enjoy being Happy, Joyous, and Free. Mainly because I now absolutely know that there is a Higher Power in my life who I choose to call God. This Power is giving me loving guidance in all of my affairs. All I must do to obtain this is to watch and listen all around me to see the miracles that are taking place. And then believing that they are mine also if I only ask for them and then believe in the results.
Many ask, some quite snidely, how I can be happy with some of the situations such as physical or emotional pain that come into my life and the lives of others around me. My answer is I have had pain, both physical and emotional, and suffered loss of loved ones. And, since this fabulous program introduced me to spirituality, have not ever had to pick up a drink, drug, or other mind altering substance. I’ve been able to do the next right thing, even if it was only to get out of the way. I can feel Happy, Joyous, and Free because my God didn’t make any junk. So, I can’t take ownership of the things that I can not change. God made me in His image, which is perfect. So, any changes in this are of my own doing.
What do you really want? Have you had enough pain, suffering and misery? If you have then the answer is simple! Don’t drink and, if you are an alcoholic, continually do only the next right thing. When a problem arises, simply say the shortened version of the 3rd Step, “God help me.” Then get out of His way and let him. Easy? Not always. Simple? Couldn’t be simpler! God bless you!
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