Many newcomers, having experienced little but constant deflation, feel a growing conviction that human will is of no value whatever. They have become persuaded, sometimes rightly so, that many problems besides alcohol will not yield to a headlong assault powered only by the individual's will.
However, there are certain things which the individual alone can do. All by himself, and in the light of his own circumstances, he needs to develop the quality of willingness. When he acquires willingness, he is the only one who can then make the decision to exert himself along spiritual lines. Trying to do this is actually an act of his own will. It is a right use of this faculty.
Indeed, all of A.A.'s Twelve Steps require our sustained and personal exertion to conform to their principles and so, we trust, to God's will.
God's desire for us is to be joyous, free and happy. But human will comes into conflict with this objective and we become restless, irritable and discontented and so we take alcohol for the ease and comfort it provides. Step 3, was also a decision not to be like this and that decision required an act of the human will and thus spiritual transformation begins right there. Thanks FS.
Mahalo again Glenn...Bill learned alot and passed it on well. I see you also can exercise willingness...thanks for the example. I still need everything I can get.
