Rereading the chapter Into Action, as we did last night, reawakens so much in my mind and I know that of others. The spiritual life is not a theory, it has to be lived. Faith without works is dead. If we don’t work this step we’re liable to get drunk. And all the promises and the return to sanity. It is truly a chapter just charged with the spirit and the opening of the door to the awakening we have been seeking.
Every time I read it, I have this moment of gratitude and at the same time a feeling of inadequacy. I’m grateful that I’m still sober and am reminded of all the good counsel in it. But it always raises questions of my imperfections in the execution of what it says.
I say to myself, I’ve done that and I’ve done that and I’ve done that. But have I? Done that perfectly. Was each one of these words fulfilled in my sober life? Bill tells us that the only step we can or will work perfectly is the First one. But did I miss anything in the rest. Most likely yes. Every once in a while I pick up something or remember something else. And then I’m pushed to pray and ask for help.
I think I can go through all of the remaining steps and find something I missed or should have done. But, the wonderful thing that’s happened in spite of myself is that I’m still sober and have an opportunity each day to work toward that perfection in each of them. And, just one day at a time.
I was sitting next to a man, who I’ve sponsored, who had gone out and had recently returned. He told me after the meeting that he had left out some things in his Fifth Step. Before we left we talked about this and he told me he had resolved to complete his list. I could understand. I’ve discovered quite a number of things and have had to do a few Fifth Steps of my own over the years. Probably will along the way, when I discover some other stuff.
Anyway, I was thinking about this today and thanking God and being grateful for this fellowship.