As we work Step Ten on a regular basis, we will continue to turn to our Higher Power for help.
My daily inventory can reveal familiar character defects: impatience, criticism, the need to be right. Seeing them again can be discouraging. Yet recognizing these patterns gives me another opportunity to grow.
Step Ten brings me back to the willingness of Step Six and the humility of Step Seven. When I have hurt someone, I need to promptly admit my wrong and make amends. Then I can look at what was behind my behavior. If I apologize for criticizing but still insist that I know how everyone should live, there is more for me to surrender.
Becoming willing means acknowledging that a familiar defect may still offer me something I want: the satisfaction of being right or the feeling of being in control. Am I ready to let that go? I can ask God for help with my willingness, too. Recognizing a defect does not give me the power to remove it. I humbly ask God to help me change, remaining willing to practice a different response when the next opportunity comes. This is how I continue to grow.
I will consider one character defect that appears in my inventory and ask: “What am I still reluctant to let go of?” I will bring that reluctance honestly to God.
Today’s Reminder
I grow when I become willing to let God change what I keep defending.
