Last night I was sitting and doing a jigsaw puzzle when a program came over the radio. It was on how to know ifwe're on the right pathway with our life and making the right decisions. One of the points they made was to make sure that we don't want something more than what our Higher Power does for us. That set alarm bells ringing in my head. Does my HP really want me to accept the unacceptable? Things that dont fit with his vision for myself or my children. What a great gauge to live by. Would he like me to suffer or grow? Wow!!!!!
That sounds a lot like what they talk about in the Big Book on step 10...The proper use of the will.
It is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God's will into all of our activities. "How can I best serve Thee - Thy will (not mine) be done." These are thoughts which must go with us constantly. We can exercise our will power along this line all we wish. It is the proper use of the will. Much has already been said about receiving strength, inspiration, and direction from Him who has all knowledge and power. If we have carefully followed directions, we have begun to sense the flow of His Spirit into us. To some extent we have become God-conscious. BB pg 85
Good open mindedness Tracey...focused on what your HP wants for you. I had such a need to keep things simple that the subject of HP's will for me use to drive me into deep confusion and disarry. My sponsorship suggested I explore all prior information and tools I had before the disease overtook my life completely and one night in a moment of clarity the "Great Commandment" came to mind. "Love God with your whole heart, mind and soul...and your neighbor as yourself" and after that information revisited me the voice...always the voice..."There in is the will of God". Today this is what my HP wants. It also what HP wanted yesterday and if I have a tomorrow...chances are the will; will not change. Practice, Practice, Practice. Keep it simple (((((hugs)))))
Thanks Stepchild and Jerry
It will be a day at a time process or even a minute working through this area of my life. I am very grateful for my HP's nudge in this direction as it has been a problem for a long long time. The weight that has come off my shoulders feel unbelievable. I havent felt this light for years and years. It wont be an easy tra ck to follow though with support from others and my Hp I know it will get better.
In my experience the two things go together - "pain is the touchstone of all spiritual growth".
Accept the unacceptable, tolerate the intolerable? Life throws up these situations and I find the serenity prayer a huge help in finding God's will for me. I suppose the thing is that not everything that is good for us will feel good at the time. Just think of the fourth step! But I have developed a strong faith, based on experience, that if I try to do God's will for me, even if it is uncomfortable or unpopular, it will all work out OK. It always has:)
