…”tests arrive unannounced to drive out some spiritual weakness that is standing between me and God”.

@The Gift of Addiction

Page 141

As we gain the ability to become “detached observers”, we notice similar themes repeating themselves in our lives with different situations and circumstances and a variety of players offering to us once again, the opportunity to “get it right”.   As a “purification process”, addiction illuminates those wounded places within us to provide an opportunity for healing. Through our relationship with our Higher Power, we find the clarity to chose light over dark, honesty over pretense, integrity over weakness, and faith over fear. In applications large and small, we find our success results in a greater ability and confidence to repeat the process. Like any other practice, repetition creates HABIT.

I am often reminded that the repetition of “tests” and “gifts” on the path are like God’s version of a clinical practice referred to as “Behavior Modification”. Our “tests” are meant to modify our behavior, our gifts arrive as a loving acknowledgement of our efforts.   As difficult as the test may seem, our willing, courageous and humble hearts can touch the heart of God, resulting in a “gift” so unique that we stand in awe at how personally profound it is. Many refer to these uncanny experiences as “God shots”.  Yes, …. they shoot right into our hearts and touch our souls.  Though we vow to write them down, we at least retain them within our own energy, thus benefitting from the dividends of gratitude and confidence to continue on the path for more of both.  Blessed are we when we can see our tests as gifts!!