There’s a terrific story in the 4th Edition called Grounded. Worthwhile reading. Take a look. But one of the things he says at the end is about “adversity”. He said, “Adversity introduces us to ourselves”. That’s what I was thinking about before I fell asleep. And then I wake up and can’t remember the word. Maybe because I don’t like that word. “Adversity”.
The proper meaning of the word “adverse” imparts a sense of hostility or a meaning of being opposed to one’s interest. Just the meaning of the word says that I’m not going to like this. But, the truth is we have to stay sober despite the adversities we meet along the way. And, we’re going to meet adverse situations. They’re unvavoidable. Life is like that.
What I pick up from his story is that when we meet adversity without a drink, we’re going to find out just what we’re made of. How we meet adversity is going to tell us a lot.
Again, willingness is the key. And his story is one of surrender, acceptance, and willingness. His story is one of a lot of adversity. And, if we back off and take a look, we will find that his story is all of our stories. Not the circumstances, but each of us has had to meet a lot, or we would not still be here.
Adversity is a set of painful circumstances we are going to be faced with. Sometimes the situation seems almost like a mountain we have to climb. And, indeed, the 12&12 tells us that pain is the touchstone of all spiritual growth. Would that it were not. But it’s true. Acceptance is the novacaine, which lessens the pain.
We’re asked if we can meet calamity with serenity. Can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance and live to good purpose under any and all conditions. Of course we can. Our track record shows that. But we can’t do it alone, nor have we. We need God’s help and the help of others. Without help it’s too much for us.
So here I am, sitting and thinking about adversity. I think about Pogo, when he said we have met the enemy and they is us. But, I also think the best friend I have in the world is the man sitting here. The sober drunk, who is at this moment, ready, willing, and able to accept help from the hand above and the hands of those around me. I know that I’m the same way with my hand, for it is a two way street. Ready, at this moment, to practice these principles in all my affairs. Because I know at the next moment I may forget all of this and that the old drunk inside may come crawling out. I need to be reminded again and again.
Please remind me.