Can I live with myself today, just as I am? This is a learning process. I do not accept all of who I am. God does, but I find myself too complicated, too self absorbed and too confused to fully accept I am who I am.
I find it interesting that when Moses asked what he should call God when others ask, God said, “I AM WHO I AM.” God fully knows himself and he’s not afraid to name and accept all that he is. If I am made in his image, then I wonder if I can accept I am who I am?
A new day of recovery brings with it the mystery of a pilgrim making progress on God’s path, the path of life that God makes known to me every day. When the rhythm of my life syncs with the pulse of the path of life, then I am who I am. My ups and downs become copacetic to me when I keep in step with the Spirit. I do not hike too slow or too fast. The periods of rest are refreshing, not annoying, because I’m not in a hurry to get somewhere. I pause to take in the view. Each breath is a deep, cleansing breath. After a long breath that raises my chest and expands my rib cage, I can say to myself, “I am same sex attracted” without shame. And somehow in that pause along the trail, I can live in peace with who I am in the context of a heterosexual marriage. These are miracles because my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.
So today is another hike down the path of life, the path of recovery. I hope to have the curiosity to discover more about who I am in God’s image and the courage to act accordingly.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Recovering Henry
A Recovery Pilgrim 
Hey Henry. Nice to meet you. I’m Mark. I’ve been in recovery for 8 months now and I’m feeling better everyday. I’m sending you some positive vibes to get you through the rough spots. Remember Slow and Steady. Every day is a new day and every day that you dont use you become stronger. Be well brother.
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Hi Mark, thanks for the encouragement. I’m carrying around a prayer of patient trust by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ. The first line is “Above all, trust in the slow work of God.” It is slow work and sometimes I’m so damn impatient with it and with myself. God gives us just enough mercy for today and a fresh batch for tomorrow. “I must accept the anxiety of feeling in suspense and incomplete.” That’s the last line of the prayer. Thanks so much for reaching out.
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“If I am made in his image, then I wonder if I can accept I am who I am?” Love this! Brilliant post, beautifully written. Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Elizabeth, writing can be the balm of Gilead for me. Your encouragement helps me.
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