When I look at this sunset I think, “What a tremendous gift. Who would NOT WANT to receive such an awesome present?” I want to see this beauty, receive it and hold onto it. Yet some people totally miss it. I don’t need to watch a sunset, but I sure do want to! I also want to share it with everybody else and give it away—much like my recovery.
Recovery is for people who want it.
Not for people who need it.
While sponsoring other women, my sponsor always tells me, “Heidi, they have to want their sobriety more than you want it for them.” When I finally saw the light for myself, I wanted that for everyone else.
The relief that said—I don’t have to carry this by myself anymore.
I can’t force them to get there. I remember being so disappointed when someone I was sponsoring relapsed yet again. I took it personally, like there was something I could have done or said to make that not happen. My sponsor said to me, “Heidi, you are not that powerfu!”
Oh, yeah. I am not God.
Here is what I can do:
I can pray for them.
Stand ready to help when they are ready to receive the gift.
Listen when they reach out.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Galatians 6:2
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