It's been a while since I shared with your my journey. That's because my recovery has been dwindling. No, I'm not drinking or using, but I haven't been to meetings in a long time, and I've been experiencing some disappointments that have left holes in my life. As I'm not working my program, I fill my life not with the things that bring me peace and health, but I fill the holes in my life with obsessions. Maybe this is my bi-polar condition acting out, maybe it is my addictive behavior. Whatever it is, these holes yearn to be filled.
My latest obsession was my application to the Lilly Foundation for a four month sabbatical. I applied last year, didn't get it, got feedback and was convinced that this year, it would be awarded to me and I would spend those months with Ken on the Camino and then some months in Prague. I was so convinced that I practiced Spanish, I make my list with REI, I got all the books I could get my hands on that had to do with the Camino or Prague. I was obsessed and I was convinced I would be awarded this opportunity to travel the world. Then last week I got the letter that said, "Thanks but no thanks."
In the past, the old Susan would quickly fill that deep hole of disappointment by drinking and smoking pot. That would make the pain and sense of rejection go away. At least for the moment. But since that is no longer an option, I find myself a bit frantic, wondering "What am I going to do to distract myself from this huge blow?"
Last night I went to an AA meeting for the first time in months and realized that my meetings, my program, my relationships with other alcoholics were not in play. I may not have been drinking these months while I obsessively planned for something that was not going to happen, but I was behaving in a way that is described as a "dry drunk." I realize that if I was working my program while I waited for word, I would have been living in the present instead of the future. I would have been filling life's disappointments with friends, fellowship and my Higher Power instead of dreams for tomorrow.
It was a good wake-up call last night as I listened to folks share how they've let go of their resentments. I certainly resent that I did not get the Lilly. I was convinced I turned in an excellent application and clearly the Lilly folks missed the fact that I'm so awesome!
Well, live and learn. Stick with the program. Take one day at a time. That's what they say and that's what I need to start doing again.
"We make plans, God laughs" It would have been wonderful -for you- but maybe it is more important, in light of recent events, for you to oversee making BGCUMC a safe place for all God's children. With you gone for months, this effort would slow if not stall completely. Welcome to the first of my three spiritual guideposts: Trust God.
ReplyDeleteDoug
Yesterday, when getting my oil changed, I met a couple in your congregation. In the short time I was there, we discussed cars, hair, their family, and finally church. I shared with them that I am on a church search because my faith needs a place to land in 2020. Having experienced trauma in the past from church experiences, I know it will be a rough journey to find the right fit for me. This morning, I decided to "look into" the church they shared about, thinking it would take a LOT for me to want to drive to Battle Ground. I found this blog, and knew I need to drive to Battle Ground. Damn. I did a portion of the Camino in 2018 to help myself heal from some devastating life events. You didn't get the opportunity to do it all at once, but why not go for two weeks instead of a month? I hope you get to go!
ReplyDeletepastor
ReplyDeleteI hope you will take the time to listen to it, and that it will give you some insight on what it means to be a Christian living in an Anti-Christ society. pastor