A Word of Encouragement...
“God removes shortcomings by mobilizing people to do what they need to do to fix their problems.”
-Terence T. Gorski, Understanding the Twelve Steps
The one true thing I know about the Seventh Step is that the removal of shortcomings is mysterious and can be miraculous. I hear stories from men and women who have experienced miraculous and instantaneous removal of shortcomings, cravings, and even their addiction.
This is not my story. My story is one small next right step at a time, with lots of side trips and detours along the way. But progress is still a miracle even if it comes slowly and takes vacations at inopportune moments.
The Serenity Prayer speaks to this work, especially the work of this step:
God grant me the serenity
I cannot control my own emotional state. When I am freaked out, insecure, neurotic and emotional I am not able to lean into my recovery program with much effectiveness. I pray for serenity and follow any suggestion that comes from a reliable source about how to reduce chaos and increase calm (so long as said advice is not illegal or immoral.
to accept the things I cannot change,
There are many things that I want to change that are none of my business. My husband. My children. My circumstances. My next door neighbor who never cuts his grass. But these are not mine to do. Instead I pray for acceptance and a heaping dose of awareness of what is mine to do - and what is not.
the courage to change the things I can,
It is easier to focus on others than myself. I pray for the courage to tell the truth about myself to myself, God and others. Although I am often harsh with myself, I find that others and God are teaching me kindness: kindness towards myself and kindness towards others. When I forget to choose kindness, I am resisting the mercy of God. But when I can find kindness, lo and behold - energy for changing what I can is provided.
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Wisdom. It is a big word and I pray for it to wash over me. When I recognize it, wisdom usually shows up as a quiet inner knowing; nothing grand; certainly nothing grandiose. But beautiful in her simplicity and clarity. May the God of your understanding guide you into all wisdom, courage, acceptance and joy.
