I remember reading the book “Abandonment to Divine Providence” by Jean-Pierre De Caussade about 15-20 years ago. I couldn’t imagine having the courage to ask God to take over control of my entire life. I was happy to ask him to handle this one issue or the one part that kept me stuck–just not the entirety of my life. Still there was a feeling that lingered inside of me akin to Moses yearning to see the face of God and yet still afraid to at the same time– that held true for me and this book. I wasn’t ready to face God.I wasn’t ready to hear the truth.
A Path Towards God’s will
At that time, I didn’t know who the Jesuits were. I didn’t know anything about Ignatian Spirituality. I think it was God pulling out a compass for me. He was offering a path forward when I didn’t know what to do next. Yesterday, I was reminded of that book after seeing a young friend’s post on Facebook. With his permission, I’ve quoted him below. Take a look for yourself.
“The Last month for me had ups and downs. But the last couple of days, I’ve finally felt back to myself. Physically, spiritually, emotionally. Life on life’s terms sucks sometimes but life on God’s terms is where I find the peace I need. Today I’m overflowing with gratitude. My life is absolutely amazing and far better than I could have imagined. Things are always better when I wake up and humbly offer myself to be of service to all God’s kids. Let’s help people today, hold the door for someone, just be kind. Right here, right now in this moment life is so good. “
Tyler Bell
What we see as normal
I scroll Facebook sometimes and see discontent. I see unhappiness. I used to participate in that kind of commentary. I thought it was normal. I thought that I was a normal person.
Over the years, I’m learning one very important lesson that my 12-step friends and my friend Becky Eldredge say often: “It’s not about you.” It’s all about what you do for God. That perspective is the fruit of emotional sobriety. My young friend has it.
Learning to see as God does
What I want you to know about my young friend is that he is in long-term recovery. He’s not a person who has studied theology. He doesn’t work at a church. He is someone who has visited the depths of ‘the bottom’ and found his way up via a 12-step program. If you want to know what recovery looks like, this is the face of it.
I used to go to open AA speaker meetings where the speaker shares their experience, strength & hope. In other words they tell you how it was, what happened and how it is now. Often times the person who gets up to speak has tattoos, piercings, vibrantly colored hair or any other expression of themselves that in the past, might not have seemed typical to old farts like me. So when they open up and share their experience of a deep theological truth, it shakes me up–in a good way.
I’m not sure why I am surprised. Scripture predicts these kinds of things. Peter and Paul started out messy. So did I. I imagine you did too.
To those of you who worry about your loved ones still in active addiction, hang on to this picture of recovery. It is possible. As long as there is breath, there is hope. And no matter how bad you think your loved one’s condition may be, this is what happens in long-term recovery. This is the face of hope.
A very wise doublewinner friend who led group step study that I attended for a few years just has passed away. I am overflowing with gratitude for his flowing compassion and service.
Recently having attended open AA speaker meetings, really shook me up in a good way too, such hope
Yes, every bit of wisdom that I share, was shared with me. I understand your feelings of gratitude. Don’t you just love being shook up this way? Thank you for sharing with me.
People in recovery in an AA room have an opportunity that is rare in our world, the opportunity to refrain from judging. We can be more merciful, if we choose to be.
We are all the same. We all have gifts and we all have shortcomings. Integrity, serving others, and taking care of hope are all excellent things and worthy of praise.
Yes! I’m so impressed by those who actively work the steps.