One Day at a Time in Al-Anon:
I will accept the fact that sobriety does not bring a complete transformation. After all, the alcoholic is still basically the same person, with the same individuality. The one immediate difference, of course, is that his personality is not distorted by drunkenness. But if sometimes he is moody and uncommunicative, I will understand that he is having a hard time adjusting to his new way of life. I will not let myself forget how, in the past, such uneasiness could drive him back to the bottle. I will be grateful for the sobriety. It is the first essential step in restoring us both to a contented, normal state.
Today’s Reminder:
When other things now trouble me in our relationship, I will remember how ardently I wished and prayed that the alcoholic might be released from the compulsion to drink. Now that sobriety has been realized, I will be patient with all that disturbs me. No matter what other difficulties interpose themselves between me and my serenity, I will hold on to my faith in ultimate good.
“…the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
— The Epistle General of James