A mother wrote me an email message. This is part of it: I prayed to my Higher Power this morning to give me peace and serenity. I knew in my heart that I needed to make amends to someone. The circumstances are not important, but the motive is. By participating in a recovery community, I’ve learned that if I’m not part of the solution, I’m part of the problem. I am learning humility.

My personal reaction on the passage offering my above today: Part of Jeff’s recovery was to work through the steps of AA and I wanted to do the same. I started with enthusiasm, but when I got to Step Eight, Made a list of all persons we harmed and became willing to make amends to all of them, and then discovered that Step Nine required making amends to those people, I shuddered. My pride got in the way and I didn’t want to ask for understanding and forgiveness. I didn’t want to, but I did.

Through the power of the program, I’m learning humility. I’m learning that it’s OK not to be perfect or even close to perfect. My sons know I love them and I’ve asked them to forgive my shortcomings. My addicted son made his amends and so did his mother.

Today’s Promise to consider: I’ll check my pride at the door and make amends when I need to. Being humble takes courage. Humility and honesty are not for the weak. I can say, “I’m sorry.”