I greet The Indwelling Omnipresence.
Today’s “Pay Forward” gift is – The Alcoholic. From time-to-time I find myself recalling my experience with two periodic alcoholics. They seem to be able drink alcohol with impunity free from self-guilt and punishment for extended intervals of time. Until the alcoholic or drug addict crosses that invisible line, where they lose control, they seem to doing what they are doing, without hitting a bottom. All addictions are progressive, meaning in the periodic alcoholic’s situation; the intervals between binges get shorter. When the obsession returns to drinking they are likely to go on a binge, often disastrous. I have other “addictions” or “defects” that are periodic, they just popup. The first few moments after their arrival are golden. Knowing it for what it is, I can choose to own it and surrender it to our Father. I replace the thoughts and feelings with a little Step Twelve work or go to a meeting, and I don’t have to experience an emotional hangover. Let’s remember Alcoholics Anonymous’ Solution is also progressive. Realizing I’ve fallen in a harmful ditch, I get out AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I starve the addiction or defect with the lack of attention, by letting our Father do for me what I cannot do. “If you to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you” Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Thy Love Thy Will be done.