AA Daily Reading – Wednesday, Making Amends

Wednesday

MAKING AMENDS

Erasing Guilt  Why do we feel guilty about so many things?   It is true that we ought to feel remorse and regret about deliberate wrongs,  but we did not cause most of the world’s woes,  and we are powerless to change many of the things that worry and disturb us.   Instead of moving us toward self-improvement,  excessive guilt is more likely to produce a sense of unworthiness that bogs us down.

The Twelve Step program provides tools for exposing and erasing guilt.  We take inventory,  which helps us to see where we have been wrong and sometimes the wrong is simply in holding grudges and other bad feelings.  We then share this with our sponsors and other close friends.  They help us to bring our true problems into focus and to realize that we are still struggling with the ordinary shortcomings that are part of the human condition.   We may be trying to live up to a perfection that is simply beyond our ability.

Then we release the problem to our Higher Power,  who knows all and understands all.  We are not always clear about the next steps we should take,  but when we are sincerely trying to do our best,  these usually become evident at the right time and in the right way.

This day I choose to accept full responsibility for my thoughts and actions,  including acceptance of past wrongs.  I know that God’s forgiveness is within every situation and that my desire to follow the Twelve Step program leads me to higher and worthier actions.

I AM ACCOUNTABLE BOTH

FOR WHAT I DO

AND FOR WHAT I FAIL

TO DO.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!