dailydatewithgod

There is an expression used in recovery rooms: progress not perfection.  It is a loose translation of what is in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 60 stating: “The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”  The idea being the purpose of the 12 steps as a spiritual path are meant to help one grow steadily in a spiritual life. In other literature it refers to progress not perfection when it comes to acknowledging and working with the elements of ourselves, sometimes referred to as character defects or defenses which stand in contrast to who we are growing into becoming.  There is a gentleness and forgiving approach in this way of thinking.  As a recovering addict it was a relief to know I was not expected to become different all at once.  I will often look for a reason to find wrong with myself or chide myself for not being further along.  I know I am not the only one who tries to hold myself to unrealistic spiritual ideals as though I can spiritualize my way out of being human.  I used to think it was about finding a way out of falling down and regressing.  I see now God is not interested in me being better than my human self but continually progressing toward’s God’s view of me as not just my human self.  God sees us as these beautiful sacred beings of love created by Love.  God desires for us to see ourselves the same way.  Progress towards this view of ourselves is not some prize to be won. Within the truth of who we are this perspective lies in waiting.  The more time we spend getting acquainted with our own hearts, we will begin to see what God sees.  We will also know where to return when our eyes become clouded.  Knowing we are meant to progress towards the sight of our heart gives us a path to follow.  A path God happily meets us on anytime we invite God.  We have our whole loves to make progress in the path of our heart.  God is not impatient, we are.  God has all of eternity and is happy to hold firm the sacred view of our wholly selves which is not tainted in God’s eyes no matter how much we stumble in our progression towards our truth.