I hope wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you right where you are.
Have we ever waited for something with great anticipation? What are we waiting for in our lives right now?
I waited.
Twelve years ago, after I stumbled in my Recovery, I realized I had reached a turning point. I needed to fully commit to healing the suffering in my heart and soul. This was my moment.
That experience taught me many lessons. Recovery is not something I can check off a to-do list. It takes patience. I must wait, pray, and faithfully invest time in a life of Recovery. Looking back, I imagine my face held both joy and sorrow—joy because I had chosen Recovery, and sorrow because I knew healing would require me to face my pain.
Sometimes, to rise higher, we first have to fall. Our setbacks often begin when we believe a step or principle does not apply to us. When we drive too fast, skip a therapy session, or ignore wise advice, we are really saying, “That rule doesn’t apply to me.”
The word obedience often has a bad reputation. A wise old monk once said, “Obedience is by far the hardest virtue to live.” So, who are we willing to obey? Many of us resist the very word. At times, we may be obedient only to our own comfort and convenience.
The word obedience simply means “to listen deeply.” When we listen deeply, we begin to see the wisdom of Recovery. We hear its gentle voice calling us toward healing. When we rely only on our own understanding, our choices can become centered on our own desires instead of what truly brings life.
Choosing the way of Recovery is a life-giving path. It helps us grow, flourish, and even turn our falls into new beginnings. Start with one small act of trust today. As we do, our hearts will slowly fill with peace and joy. We will gain the courage to set aside our own will and follow the gentle path of Recovery, one day at a time.
Are we ready?
I think we are.
Trust, surrender, believe, and receive.
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.