Easter time –the great awakening for Christians –seems like a good time to reflect on the phrase “spiritual awakening” of the 12th step. Christians believe that Easter is the answer to the questions: Is this life all that there is? Is death the end of life? For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus is the statement that there is a fullness of life waiting for us beyond death.
For 12-steppers there also is a spiritual awakening that is THE result of the steps, not simply a result. The result is not so much sobriety or even recovery. It is a Spiritual Awakening.
But what do we awaken to? I submit that in the 3rd step we awaken to the awareness of a constant and personal care of the Divine for each of us. I become aware of how God leads me to a sponsor, to a home group, to the right kind of prayer for me, to the service that is my call at this time. I awaken to the beauty and goodness of everyone and everything around me.
All is exactly as it is meant to be and I no longer have to try to control or manipulate anyone. All I have to do is speak my truth and act as I am gracefully moved. Maybe last of all, I become aware of my own goodness, that I am good and beloved of the One who gives me every breath.
I have nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to regret, nobody to envy. Like Popeye, I am who I am and that is more than good enough. I am waking up!
