January 30

January 30 – AM          Page 60-61, How It Works, Chapter 5

      Being convinced, we were at Step Three, which is that we decided to turn our will and our life over to God as we understood Him.  Just what do we mean by that, and just what do we do?
The first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success.  On that basis we are almost always in collision with something or somebody, even though our motives are good.  Most people try to live by self-propulsion.  Each person is like an actor who wants to run the whole show; is forever trying to arrange the lights, the ballet, the scenery and the rest of the players in his own way.  If his arrangements would only stay put, if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great.  Everybody, including himself, would be pleased.  Life would be wonderful.  In trying to make these arrangements our actor may sometimes be quite virtuous.  He may be kind, considerate, patient, generous; even modest and self-sacrificing.  On the other hand, he may be mean, egotistical, selfish and dishonest.  But, as with most humans, he is more likely to have varied traits.

January 30 – PM          Page 74-75, Into Action, Chapter 6

      Notwithstanding the great necessity for discussing ourselves with someone, it may be one is so situated that there is no suitable person available.  If that is so, this step may be postponed, only, however, if we hold ourselves in complete readiness to go through with it at the first opportunity.  We say this because we are very anxious that we talk to the right person.  It is important that he be able to keep a confidence; that he fully understand and approve what we are driving at; that he will not try to change our plan.  But we must not use this as a mere excuse to postpone.
When we decide who is to hear our story, we waste no time.  We have a written inventory and we are prepared for a long talk.  We explain to our partner what we are about to do and why we have to do it.  He should realize that we are engaged upon a life-and-death errand.  Most people approached in this way will be glad to help; they will be honored by our confidence.