STEP THREE
March 3, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“It is a well of grace we can return to again and again and dip out self-acceptance, self-assurance, and love. Each time we take Step Three, we drink down God’s love.” BRB p. 142
“Step Three reminds us there is unconditional love available to us. By giving our will and our lives over to the care of a Higher Power of our own understanding, we trust that this love and presence will remain in our lives. In times of fear, we can imagine our Inner Child resting in warm, loving arms – feeling the comfort we did not receive as a child.
Throughout our recovery, we use our challenges to propel us to a higher level of peace, understanding, and self-love that would not have been possible otherwise. We trust that we are being led toward our greatest potential. When we accept ourselves for who we are, and feel the love around us, we know we are inherently worthy. We learn patience with ourselves as we continue to grow, knowing we’re being guided with love by a strong program, and by a Higher Power of our own understanding, who is always with us.
On this day I will accept the challenges that are placed before me, knowing that I have both the support of my fellow travelers in the program and my Higher Power, who is ever present.”
My Experience:
Like many others I had reservations about turning my will and life over to a Higher Power/God. Why? Because what had been taught to me was that God was punishing. If you didn’t do this or that you would forever be damned to hell. If you were this way or that way, you could not partake in his/her blessings. However, I remember when I saw the words, “of your own understanding.” I wondered what that meant. I read and I asked. What I came to realize is that I could create what my Higher Power looked like, acted like, and walked through life like. I chose to see my Higher Power as a being that wanted the best for me, that would not punish me but rather walk with me and provide guidance and protection when needed. My Higher Power allows me to not have to take on the world and solve all the world’s problems. I now give problems to my Higher Power to solve. The downside to that is that not everyone in my life understands this new outlook and some have problems that I am not trying to solve all their problems anymore. My Higher Power tells me that is okay as he walks beside me with his arm draped over my shoulder.
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