Step 3

We had a nice home group meeting last evening. We've made it part of our format to read a Step each month and discuss it. Of course last evening we read through Step 3 in the 12X12. That Step always makes for a wonderful discussion and last evening was certainly no exception. I love hearing how people are able to turn over their Will to God/HP and live sober, peaceful lives, a day at a time, through any circumstances. I believe that this is where the AA program begins to teach us that this is simply not just about not drinking. This is where we begin to learn to really live, to become a part of God's plan for us all. I think my favorite thing about practicing Step 3, deciding to let God have my Will is the "instant gratification" feature. I always feel better immediately upon realizing that I can let go and let God. It's such a peaceful feeling to know that no matter what happens, if I turn my will over to God, and try to follow His guidance, things will work out the way they are supposed to, and I don't have to become anxious over anything. I have spent so many years worrying, stressing, fretting, plotting, planning, expecting... It's wonderful to be able to just let things go. Ironically, by being at peace with things in my life, I can then be more effective at bringing about good things for myself and those about me which is after all, the very stuff I used to worry about and stress over. hmmmm...

Last nite, I walked home from home group in a very light, warm drizzle. Since it was home group nite, I didn't get a chance to get to the Y and work out. So, when I got home, I strapped on the MP3 player, queued up some live Allison Krauss/Union Station tunes and headed out into the lite rain for an evening walk in the dark with Jesus/God/HP. The smell of a spring nite, with a gentle warm rain falling... oh man... what a glorious walk indeed! I spent time reflecting on everything I have to be grateful for, on the challenges in my life, praying for those who have asked for prayers, for my friends/family here in blogger-land and at home. It was just awesome, I got some great exercise (I was really movin' those legs...) and some incredible, spontaneous peace... I love those moments... And, I have AA, God, Jesus and you people to thank! So, thanks to you all!

Prayer for today...

HP/JC/God, please remove my obsession to drink, use drugs and do things that separate me from You. Please help me be at peace with the difficulties in my life today, that I might be able to share that peace with others who are going through difficult times. God, please watch over and Bless Shannon and her dad, MC and her kids, especially her son in Iraq, my friend Mark whose son is in Iraq, my nephew Michael who was recently Confirmed, my wife and Ian. Please make Your Grace available to my newest sponsee whom I haven't seen nor heard from in a week, and to my new blogger friend whose blog is called "my secret monster" and to my friend sober steve.

the peace of God be with you all!