Wisdom For Today - November

[bluidkiti]

November 16

Wisdom for Today

So the next question was an easy one. Now that I'm out of the trap, how do I make sure that I don't step back into it again? None of us can ever say that we will never fall back into that steel trap, but the program teaches us how to stay out of the trap of addiction one day at a time. By actively participating in regular meetings, I was able to develop relationships with other addicts and alcoholics, just like me. In this fellowship I learned that each of us had fallen victim to the steel jaws of addiction. I was encouraged to share my story and talk about my struggles. I listened intently to others talk about how they used the steps to find and hang on to freedom. I learned over time that if I wanted to hang onto the gift of recovery, I would need to give it away.

So, even though I didn't know much, I began to talk about how the program was helping me. I began to share those stories of success and the stories of setbacks. The more I shared, the more I realized that I was changing. As I became aware of these changes, I wanted to thank everyone at meetings over and over again. Each time I did, I was redirected to my Higher Power and was told that was Whom I needed to thank. I was taken back by these comments, but what really surprised me was when members of the fellowship told me that they weren't trying to help me, but were trying to help themselves. That is when I finally understood the healthy, selfish part of the program. Do I believe that God wants me to take care of myself?

Meditations for the Heart

Sometimes I jokingly say, "I have had at least 16 seconds of serenity in my recovery, and not all at once." There haven't been long periods of time that I would call mountain top experiences - times when I am at peace with God, others and myself all at the same time. But I can say that as I grasped the spiritual aspects of the program, I began to have regular and even daily times when I was calm and knew that I was in a good place. This did not mean I was problem free; it just meant that for periods of time in my day I knew that God was watching out for me and making sure I had what I needed. It is almost like my soul finds a place to rest in the day even though I am surrounded by my problems. In this place of rest and security, I know that I can find calmness of spirit. Do I look for a place to rest in my Higher Power's arms?

Petitions to my Higher Power

God,
Sometimes, it is easy for me to get caught up in the race of life. Help me to know that I can always find a place of rest in You. Keep me open to the opportunities to carry the message to others, and help me to change my attitude from pride and selfishness to one of humility and gratitude. Help me today to carry the message, so that I might care for myself in a healthy way.
Amen.