Thoughts on Recovery – No. 32 – Step 3 – Daily Surrender
The initial surrender and decision in step 3 is essential for the process of recovery. It causes a change in our relationship with our Creator. If sincerely made the newcomer will launch on the action in step 4 and follow thru the steps.
I have to make a daily surrender. That without God I am nothing. I need to seek his will and the power to carry it out on a daily basis. I must remember I only have a daily reprieve from alcoholism based on a fit spiritual condition. On page 86 they suggest before I make plans for the day I ask God to direct my thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest, or self-seeking motives.
I must surrender to carrying out God’s will in all my activities. “How can I best serve Thee – Thy will (not mine) be done.” These are thoughts which must go with me constantly. They suggest this is the proper use of my will.
In fact I must surrender every minute and seek God all the time. I watch for my self centered thinking and when it crops up at once ask him to remove it. Some days I do better than others. Step 10 is designed for me to do all day. Step 11 I review at night how effectively I surrendered. It is a journey of spiritual growth. It starts with surrender and a decision that God is my director.
I really feel I am making progress towards this minute, hour, & daily process