The baby finches in this video just hatched a few days ago. Their temporary home is on our deck on top of a light fixture. Up high and under the awning — safe from predators. They’re in a vulnerable state from the beginning as eggs. Then when hatch, they have to trust the momma bird to keep them warm, feed them and protect them.
They are so open, trusting, willing to learn, and grow.
It reminds me that as human babies, we rely on our family — open, trusting and willing to grow. Then as we grow up, we get confident and try our wings. We have our own motor skills, our own thoughts, our own actions and decisions.
Free to choose.
And, with our own free will, we can get lost in life and not even know it.
In my drinking, I had lost my way. I was so selfish and thought only of what I wanted or what I was thinking or feeling. I had grown into someone that didn’t have to listen to you. I could go on my own power and self-motivation — leaving God out of the equation. I didn’t have to trust. I didn’t have to be open to anything I didn’t want to do—or what you wanted me to do. Stubborn, willful, full of self. Wasn’t my own will enough? It seemed to be working fine.
Until it wasn't.
• I was drinking and having fun with no consequences.
• Then I was drinking with problems.
• After that, I was just drinking with problems and consequences.
• Finally, I was just drinking.
How did I get here?
When I got sober, it was like becoming a child again—like the baby birds. Learning to trust others — again.
Trust myself — again.
Trust God — again.
Be open to new ways of thinking — again.
Letting go of what was not working for me and being willing to change — for the first time.
The willingness to change has afforded me this new sober life and it feels good. It feels right. Yesterday I celebrated 5113 days of sobriety—in a row! Fourteen years.
How did I get here?
One day at a time.
If I can do it, so can you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
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