Courage to Change ~ Aug 12 ~ Step 3
Courage to Change ~ Aug 12 ~ Step 3
Courage to Change ODAT in Al-Anon II 8/12
A particular incident reminds me of the sense of surrender that I feel when I truly take the Third Step and turn my will and my life over to God’s care. Some years ago my sister discovered that she had a brain tumor. Her initial diagnosis was dire—also, fortunately, inaccurate. When I heard about my sister’s choices for treatment, I felt that she should pursue certain avenues that she had ruled out. I grew increasingly impatient with her choices until I read a commentary by a person I respect, suggesting that the avenues I had been championing could do more harm than good.
That’s when I realized the limits of my own understanding. I saw that my sense of urgency stemmed not from certainty but from fear. I discovered that my only honest course of action was to turn my fear and my love over to the care of my Higher Power. I could no longer pretend to know what was best.
Today’s Reminder
I am not a rocket scientist, a philosopher, or a wizard. Even if I were all three, I would still find myself looking off the edge of my understanding into a vast unknown. As I recognize my own limitations, I am more grateful than ever for a Higher Power who is free from such restrictions.
“Time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain, therefore, awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters.”
Plato
A particular incident reminds me of the sense of surrender that I feel when I truly take the Third Step and turn my will and my life over to God’s care. Some years ago my sister discovered that she had a brain tumor. Her initial diagnosis was dire—also, fortunately, inaccurate. When I heard about my sister’s choices for treatment, I felt that she should pursue certain avenues that she had ruled out. I grew increasingly impatient with her choices until I read a commentary by a person I respect, suggesting that the avenues I had been championing could do more harm than good.
That’s when I realized the limits of my own understanding. I saw that my sense of urgency stemmed not from certainty but from fear. I discovered that my only honest course of action was to turn my fear and my love over to the care of my Higher Power. I could no longer pretend to know what was best.
Today’s Reminder
I am not a rocket scientist, a philosopher, or a wizard. Even if I were all three, I would still find myself looking off the edge of my understanding into a vast unknown. As I recognize my own limitations, I am more grateful than ever for a Higher Power who is free from such restrictions.
“Time will change and even reverse many of your present opinions. Refrain, therefore, awhile from setting yourself up as a judge of the highest matters.”
Plato
There are still days when I think I might have the answer for someone else's problems. I can see it so very clearly - if he'd only do THIS then his life would be better !!
My son has a great job opportunity in another city - about 700 miles away. It's a terrific offer, and it would allow him to grow in his career. He's balking at the idea because of a gf who doesn't want to move away from her family etc etc.
He's a grown man. I can't make his decisions for him. All I can do is offer my experience, strength and hope, and toss in a few things he might want to think about. And then I have to focus on something else so I don't obsess about HIS situation. As frustrating as it is, it's just not about me.
My son has a great job opportunity in another city - about 700 miles away. It's a terrific offer, and it would allow him to grow in his career. He's balking at the idea because of a gf who doesn't want to move away from her family etc etc.
He's a grown man. I can't make his decisions for him. All I can do is offer my experience, strength and hope, and toss in a few things he might want to think about. And then I have to focus on something else so I don't obsess about HIS situation. As frustrating as it is, it's just not about me.
CindeRella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Spreading my wings
Posts: 7,163
There are still days when I think I might have the answer for someone else's problems. I can see it so very clearly - if he'd only do THIS then his life would be better !!
My son has a great job opportunity in another city - about 700 miles away. It's a terrific offer, and it would allow him to grow in his career. He's balking at the idea because of a gf who doesn't want to move away from her family etc etc.
He's a grown man. I can't make his decisions for him. All I can do is offer my experience, strength and hope, and toss in a few things he might want to think about. And then I have to focus on something else so I don't obsess about HIS situation. As frustrating as it is, it's just not about me.
My son has a great job opportunity in another city - about 700 miles away. It's a terrific offer, and it would allow him to grow in his career. He's balking at the idea because of a gf who doesn't want to move away from her family etc etc.
He's a grown man. I can't make his decisions for him. All I can do is offer my experience, strength and hope, and toss in a few things he might want to think about. And then I have to focus on something else so I don't obsess about HIS situation. As frustrating as it is, it's just not about me.
This thought just ran through my head over the past week-as I have many things going on at once and the boyfriend has not been there really-(Probably as I sit back because he has a lot on his plate with his life (His side of the street is kind of messy too at the moment) I said these words to myself:
There are still days when I think I might have the answer for someone else's problems. I can see it so very clearly - if he'd only do THIS then his life would be better !!
I have come far with my side of the street and "everyone" elses side of the street-and I know today as long as mine is kept clean it is not up to me to clean anyone elses and I live with a lot more peace in my life...
Thank you for this Cat!
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