My grandchildren are perfect...almost.

My grandchildren are at the lovely age where they have begun to harm one another. They take each other’s toys; they bite, tackle and scratch; they scream and declare their innocence while pointing accusatory stubby fingers at one another in righteous indignation. We call this toddler-hood but also worry a teeny tiny bit: what harm is done by a refused hug and kiss? An accusation? A childish jealousy?

Oh, how I wish my toddlers could be given the wisdom of loving kindness without the hassle of having to figure it out by trial and error! But this is not the way it works. ADULTS struggle with loving kindness - why, oh why, would I expect a toddler to get it?

No alcoholic or addict is free from the regret of hurting others, especially our family and friends. Our Step 8 list of the people we’ve harmed can feel like a ball and chain. To free ourselves, we must first recognize that not all of the harm came when we were drunk or stoned, but also in those behaviors and actions that came out of our illness - behaviors born of our selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear.

Harm happens.

It is normal.

Sit with this reality. Consider how God responds to our limitations. Tomorrow, we will pick up with this same thought and actually look at what God has to say about our biting, scratching ways.