This is a slogan that runs central to addiction recovery. Addicts are not saints, just striving to be better and free from the things that separate them from God. It's that simple. I like the bumper sticker that reads, "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven."
For me, I am pretty good at abstinence...planning what I do and doing what I plan. I almost said "perfect' but I know that there is no perfect this side of Heaven. It is easier for me to just do my plan. I used to negotiate (rationalize and justify) why or how I could get away with eating a "little" differently or adding a bite, taste or lick of something... for what I considered a very good reason (laughing)... Like testing to see if a vegetable was cooked enough or needing to eat a grape in the store to see if it was sweet enough! I don't even eat grapes anymore.
I remember saying to a sponsor (before I knew better), "But, I NEEDED to see if the spices were right in that spaghetti sauce." I also did that with chili once. My husband likes it hot! These memories amuse me today. Interesting that I acted as if everyone's world was around food. I only knew what I thought I knew. After all my world WAS around food!
Today I can see the process of listening to God's still small voice and walking with Him in the light that has truly set me free (one day at a time)!
I am a work in progress. That's good enough for me.
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2 comments:
I will remember your words of "progress, not perfection" in all situations.
I can relate to this statement:
"I acted as if everyone's world was around food"
I have been thinking about Thanksgiving dinner and the holidays and now that I am abstinent, I know I need to cook differently. This is a time to give thanks, not thanks for the food only but thanks to God.
Food is not the center of any world anymore. God is.
Thanks Pam.
God bless,
Sheri in AZ
God bless you, Sheri, and thanks for commenting. My first thought when I read your post is that Thanksgiving is not today, but I also hear you. We need to make plans and take care of ourselves.
Did you read the chapter in my book, "My first Thanksgiving"? That was not fun! But I survived and lived to talk about it. Today, it's not so hard, but as I often say, "My own experiences were my best teachers."
I am sure that I'll be writing about the holidays and making suggestions, but in the meantime, feel free to write to me with any questions or concerns.
Love and peace,
Pam<><
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