Oct. 29, 2015 - Readings in Recovery: Today's Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

The Serenity Prayer
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015
Today's thought from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is:

Let everyone sweep in front of his [or her] own door, and the whole world will be clean.
 -- Goethe


Taking care of ourselves rather than trying to control others may be difficult. Our character defects may lead us to believe we should take responsibility for the actions of others. Sometimes we may feel we know how a spouse, co-worker, or friend should act. We may even go so far as to tell someone what he or she should do or do it for them.

Tonight we can reflect on our actions of today. Did we cover up another's behavior, or tell someone what to do, or take control of something that was not our responsibility? We need to realize that taking charge of another's life is not beneficial to anyone. Focusing on another's life keeps us from looking at ours. Doing for others what they should be doing for themselves takes away valuable lessons for growth.

What would happen if everyone in a classroom were the teacher? Who would listen and learn? Who would mature and grow? The teacher in our lives is our Higher Power. Let us respect our instructor and let our Higher Power do the guiding while we grow.

Help me listen and learn and let go of controlling others.
You are reading from the book:
Night Light by Amy E. Dean. © 1986, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation

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