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Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
REFLECTION
Why don’t we just slow down and control our drinking?
“The great obsession of every abnormal drinker is that somehow, someday they’ll be able to control and enjoy their drinking.”
Of course, if we’re honest with ourselves, we might see that enjoyment often, if not always, occurs precisely when we relinquish control and stop limiting ourselves.
We can’t seem to have control and enjoyment at the same time.
This is a spiritual paradox too.
I’ve never been able to think my way into better living or into controlled drinking or into God’s will for me. Sure, my thought life and emotional attunement to God, myself and others is important, but it’s what my hands and feet are doing that matters.
My best intentions don’t account for much if I’m bitter toward my kids. Or if I get drunk at precisely the worst possible time.
And God certainly cares more for what I do in this life than what I’d simply like to do or aspire towards.
Interestingly, I can act my way into right thinking. Like a faithful golden retriever, my thoughts will fall in line with my actions. But I am responsible for action.
So, we’re left with difficulty after difficulty—I can’t enjoy drinking while retaining control; I can’t stop drinking without admitting that I can’t stop; I can’t think my way into right living; and in order to make any kind of headway, I’ve got to start acting as if…
As if I have a problem. As if there is a God. As if I need the fellowship of others. As if I’m not in control.
Sounds like faith.
This is where it can start, and it won’t happen if I don’t step forward.
God, help me step into what I can’t see.
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