A look back…
It was thirty-four years ago, around this time where I was really getting close to doing something about my addiction problem.
I began meeting with a recovering alcoholic/addict; he gave me the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” and told me to read the first 88 pages.
I cringed at the thought of being labeled an alcoholic or an addict and was not very interested in reading a book about it. “Those people simply lacked willpower,” I thought to myself. But something inside of me told me to read it, so I did.
Once I began reading, I could not put the book down. In fact, I was so excited about what I was reading I cracked open some beer to celebrate…you have to be an alcoholic to understand that reasoning.
There were several stories about alcoholics who had overcome their addiction, but one stood out. The title of the story was “Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict,” and in the story, the Doctor, who had a severe drinking and drug problem, shared the following thoughts, which changed my thinking forever:
When I stopped living in the problem and began living in the answer, the problem went away. From that moment on, I have not had a single compulsion to drink. And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation–some fact of my life–unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake.
Fact
Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.
I don’t have to like what I’m accepting, but I have to accept it to live in peace as I journey forward.
Update
This post reminded me of our friend Bob.
When handed the horrible diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia a little over ten months ago, he had to accept the diagnosis but it didn’t mean he couldn’t accept it on his terms.
For months he’s closed out his messaging to me with, “Today I choose not to be sick.”
Here is Bob’s most recent update after his 180-day post-transplant check-up:
Hey Jay, I had my Day 180 post-transplant doctor visit yesterday (Monday, June 21), and it was all positive and uplifting.
Blood tests are normal with no evidence of disease. My liver and kidney functions are all normal. My immune system T cells/memory cells are climbing and I am completely off all suppression and anti-rejection medicine.
I received the first five vaccines.
The doctor is very pleased with how I am recovering. My ability to exercise is progressing and she is comfortable with me targeting a return to work date in late September.
My next visit is in four weeks. A very emotional day on a lot of levels and a lot to be thankful for.
I replied: “That is great news, Bob!”
He replied:Â “Yes it is. Ten months ago I chose not to be sick and it’s paid off so far.”
The moral of this story…
Accepting people, places, things, and situations we have no control over is paramount in moving forward.
Acceptance doesn’t mean we quit fighting. It means we quit wasting good energy on things we can’t change and instead invest our energy in those things we can change…
Like our attitude.
Like Bob.
Matthew 6:34, Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Â Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
First, I am so happy to hear about Bob!!!
I pray and think of him regularly.
Second, I totally “resemble” your point on Gods timing and figuring out how to navigate the the acceptance of the wait.
Charles and I recently welcomed two new husky puppies (brothers). I see alot of my tendencies in them. They are always on the RUN and often miss what’s around them. They learning to walk beside me as opposed to in front or behind me and wanting everything NOW but learning to wait if “they” want the treat.
“Wait For The Treat” … That’s a blog waiting to be written.