. . . . we know that the pains of drinking had to come before sobriety, and emotional turmoil before serenity. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 94

I love spending time in my garden feeding and pruning my beautiful flowers. One day, as I was busily snipping away, a neighbor stopped by. She commented, Oh! Your plants are so beautiful, it seems such a shame to cut them back. I replied, I know how you feel, but the excess must be removed so they can grow stronger and healthier. Later I thought that perhaps my plants feel pain, but God and I know its part of the plan and Ive seen the results. I was quickly reminded of my precious A.A. program and how we all grow through pain. I ask God to prune me when its time, so I can grow.