As Bill Sees It 01/03/2014
 

Pain and Progress

"Years ago I used to commiserate with all people who suffered. Now I commiserate only with those who suffer in ignorance, who do not understand the purpose and ultimate utility of pain."

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Someone once remarked that pain is the touchstone of spiritual progress. How heartily we A.A.'s can agree with him, for we know that the pains of alcoholism had to come before sobriety, and continued turmoil before serenity.

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"Believe more deeply. Hold your face up to the Light, even though the moment you do not see."

1. LETTER, 1950 - 2. TWELVE AND TWELVE, pp. 93-94 - 3. LETTER, 195

I was talking to someone yesterday, when the temperature was close to 70 degrees. She said...I wish every day could be just like this. Sunshine and mild temperatures. As wonderful as that sounds, would we appreciate it if it were always that way?

In order to truly appreciate the good stuff, we have to have endured some bad stuff. I know that's extremely simplified, but it still true. Yeah, that was probably dumb. Sorry.

Nothing dumb about that Suki, it's the truth I reckon. It's how we learn to deal with the sh*t that's key.