Daily Reflections reading October 2nd
The Acid Test
As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare
ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten we commence
to put our A.A. way of living to practical use, day-by-day, in fair weather or
foul. Then comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balance,
and live to good purpose under all conditions? TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE
TRADITIONS, p. 88
I know the Promises are being fulfilled in my
life, but I want to maintain and develop them by the daily application of Step
Ten. I have learned through this Step that if I am disturbed, there is
something wrong with me. The other person may be wrong too, but I can only deal
with my feelings. When I am hurt or upset, I have to continually look for the
cause in me, and then I have to admit and correct my mistakes. It isn’t easy,
but as long as I know I am progressing spiritually, I know that I can mark my effort
up as a job well done. I have found that pain is a friend; it lets me know
there is something wrong with my emotions, just as a physical pain lets me know
there is something wrong with my body. When I take the appropriate action
through the Twelve Steps, the pain gradually goes away.
© Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
My
thoughts on October 2nd Reading
Steps one through nine have shown me the real truth about my character
defects and many of my shortcomings, now how do I show the rest of the world I
have changed, I am willing to make amends whenever I wrong others
How they respond to my actions is now in their hands, I have a new
awareness, to see during the day what is really going on in my actions, or
reactions, to people, places, and thing, this is the real acid test just how do
I respond today?
Am I living in the truth of the moment, I have the ability to change my
actions, instead of letting them control me and my attitudes, I have to
continue to practice changing my old habits, of reacting to situations and learn
how to act upon situations
For my daily inventory I try to set aside time for meditation on my actions,
was I resentful, selfish, dishonest, afraid of showing my true self to others,
or like in the past do I resort to the old behaviors of anger and deceit trying
to con others
Step ten can help me with my anger and depression, given back what was given to me, was hope and love, life is full of mistakes, I needed to look at my part in every thing I do or say making sure I have not hurt anyone with my actions
The difference is step ten keeps me from doing the same thing I did in my past, God has given me the chance to make things right, here and now, as I do them, step ten makes that a reality, I do not want to return to old behavior and get lost in another bottle
Or get those rotten
attitudes of the past back again, steps 10 -11-12 are the living steps of our
program doing them right will keep me from ever returning to my past, God gave
me the way out
And I needed to use every
tool He has given me
My work on the 12 steps is
never done, until I am lying perfectly still because then I am dead, now please
take these step and see what they can do for your anger, depression, hope, and
love
God Bless you Al. M.
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