Almost Always In Collision

Three pertinent ideas;

a. That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.

b. That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.

c. That God could and would if He were sought.

Being convinced, we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and our life over to God as we understood Him.

Hmmmmm??? Well, of course I asked Hmmmmm? I wasn’t convinced yet. It’s a simple, clear word right there and I glossed right over it.

“The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success. On that basis we are almost always in collision with something or somebody, even though our motives are good. Most people try to live by self-propulsion. Each person is like an actor who wants to run the whole show; is forever trying to arrange the lights, the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way.”

There’s where a bit of a chink in my armor appeared – always in collision with something or somebody you say? Yes, that made perfect sense, to me.

“If his arrangements would only stay put, if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great. Everybody, including himself, would be pleased. Life would be wonderful.”

And I sure wanted life to be wonderful because it hadn’t been…

“In trying to make these arrangements our actor may sometimes be quite virtuous. He may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing. On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest. But, as with most humans, he is more likely to have varied traits.”

I.E. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Yep. Self-centered, with a self-serving motive.

“What usually happens? The show doesn’t come off very well. He begins to think life doesn’t treat him very well. He decides to exert himself more.”

Because if you throw “more” at the problem , it goes away – right? Aaah – delusion, ain’t it grand?