My thoughts today focused around part of the Third Step prayer. Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness to those that I would serve of thy power, thy love, and thy way of life. Why this? It really started with being powerless over people, places, and things.
Having said this prayer early on, I had called someone I was supposed to meet with today. After several attempts I finally got through. The other end was anything but pleasant. That made me back off and think about what it was that I could do to take away some of the difficulties they were going through. And the answer came back, nothing. I wasn’t going to change anything and I had to just let it go.
Finally I got a call that they were coming over. That got me to think what it was that I could bring to them to possibly help. Again the answer was nothing. However the words of that prayer came back. To those that I would serve. How could I possibly be an example that would bear witness to them? They’re not even in the program.
This isn’t the first time I have thought about this prayer and its effect on others. It’s one thing to be an example of sobriety at meetings. The proof that this program works. It’s another, when dealing with those, who are not even looking for me living a sober life. Like a lot of us, who lead mixed lives with those who are not alcoholics. What is it I’m supposed to do? Not trying to prove anything, but here I was faced with what I’ve often seen before.
To practice these principles in all of our affairs. And that’s exactly what I have been trying to do over time. To have a positive attitude. To smile, to greet them cheerfully, and to be tolerant. That’s exactly what I did and as so often happens, whatever it is that’s bothering them (not my business) seems to fade away as time goes on.
What struck me, as I was thinking about this, is how different that is for me. It was never one of my strengths. If anything, in the past I have been intolerant and impatient under circumstances like this. This change in me, which didn’t come about overnight, is the result of this program. Learning to trust my Higher Power. Growing in hope and faith. And learning a little humility. Not to mention gratitude.
Made me think that my prayer this morning and on other mornings was being answered. That my Higher Power’s victory over my difficulties can come about, where my life bears witness to others of that. I can only believe that his power, his love, and his way of life is right there in front of them, whether they’re aware of it or not. Question is am I aware?
All I know is that I ask for the help and let go and let God. That’s it. I try to do my part by making sure that I’m going to try to do the right thing with what’s in front of me. To do what is possible, as far as I know it and understand it. The rest is not up to me.
Anyway just thinking about the program and how it works in my life. It’s just another example of what I was given by my sponsor and those old timers. Their words and their examples I truly treasure. Proof positive that I’m nothing special. Just another drunk trying to stay sober and to put this program into action in my life. So far it seems to be working all right. Another day sober and that makes me happy and grateful for all I have been given. Each day I can say is another miracle for me.