The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
The C2C reading for June 5, discusses the Third step. The reading points out that it is important that we pause and take the time to define our Higher Power.This Power must be one that we can trust loves us unconditionally . It suggests that once we have accepted that the destructive presence of another alcoholism has affected our lives,we need to have a benevolent being untouched by this disease to rely on.
When we turn our will and life over,we merely become receptive to guidance and willing to accept the care of a Power Greater than ourselves. We do not need to earn this care or work for it. W need only be receptive to it.
It is important to note that we must continue to exercise our will and continue to live our life with courage and faith but we now do so in the light of love and understanding. . The reading suggests that we when we open our hearts to a power that fills us with love and acceptance, we can begin to extend those qualities to other.
The quote is from Elizabeth Barrett Browning; "God's gifts puts man's best dreams to shame."
I have found this quote to be true . Sometimes I did not understand the gifts but when I had the courage and wisdom to look back in retrospect I was able to appreciate the love and care I have received especially in the dark times.
Thanks Betty for the daily, your ESH and service. I believe that when I am able to do this with continuity, I am amazed at how things unfold and I 'am'....The program has taught me to believe that I won't be given more than I can handle and that I am worthy of grace, dignity and peace. I did not believe this when I arrived, I truly felt I was destined to a life of craziness, drama and pain.
I learned a slogan from the other side of the table - Faith without works is dead - which tells me that I must take action in my life/program to benefit fully from my spiritual experience. Before program, I would beg God to take away my pain, yet I sat waiting for that to happen. I didn't reach out, go to a meeting, seek professional help/support - I often then felt my prayers were unanswered.
I now know that he had great plans for me. I just needed to take the action to propel the recovery forward - meetings, steps, prayer, meditation - rinse and repeat. Step 3 gives me the ability to realize, learn and know I am truly not alone and I am loved.
Have a super day - it's a beautiful day here and I've got a full day of things planned! (((Hugs))) to all!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
