Put the Plug in the Jug:
Pithy advice some old-timers tell new-comers. But how?
Thinking back over my experiences, I can tell you what worked for me. My heart – all my inner me –was trapped in an booze bottle for way too long. I couldn’t just cork the bottle and walk away from it.
Partly because I didn’t want to until a power greater than I began to speak – and helped me hear. What I heard – over time — was something like “This isn’t going to end well.” And over time, it got louder, and I came to believe it might be true, given the trouble I was getting into.
Serendipitously, knowledge and faith dovetailed.
Al-Anon educated me about the disease alcoholism is.
Remember that alcoholism is incurable, progressive, and fatal. (The AA Big Book, Chapter 3)
Concurrently, a Bible study introduced me to a God who wasn’t locked in stain glass and liturgical prayers, and I met people in recovery who had what I wanted: peace and purpose. They also had patience with me. God’s power, and their personal stories showed me what putting a plug in the jug looked like.
- Becoming willing to be shown how was the first movement I made to put the plug where it needed to be.
- Following directions, keeping it simple, and believing what I was being told to do works, when I work it, has kept me from drinking, one day at a time.
Booze is trouble for me; acceptance of this has been the cornerstone of my willingness to change.
Recovery – rebuilding — is a day by day occupation.
.Mentally, physically, and spiritually, my alcoholism did some damage. Drinking again will not change that, or repair it. God, however, can change tomorrow with my choices today.
. . . Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
He has never failed to answer when I call. (Isaiah 58, especially verse 7)
God changed me, so I can keep changing. (Ezekiel 36:26. )
Change is sometimes scary, but it won’t kill either of us – staying inside the bottle will.
Dear friend and reader, Here’s a link to a PDF file from the AA Big Book you can use until you get your own. Part III-Personal Stories. We are many and varied – and thank God, Sober, just for today!
Love in Christ,
Sober and Grateful
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