CoDA Weekly Reading

 

Steps 1, 2, and 3 in Action Step One: We admitted we were powerless over others - that our lives had become unmanageable.

“Delivery exception. Incorrect address-apartment/suite number,” was the latest shipping company’s delivery update status for a package my husband and I were excitedly awaiting. Dread instantly filled the pits of my stomach, then annoyance made its way up to my chest, and then anger filled my heart, my face, turning it I’m sure red! Isn’t it amazing how quickly we go from one emotion to the next?

I called the shipping company and was “fit to be tied” (as my mother would say) by the time a representative came on the line. I took a deep breath and explained the situation. I was then told that yes, my store confirmation listed our apartment number but the shipping label did not.

And so began my back and forth calls to the store and the shipping company, getting absolutely nowhere. I wanted to scream!

I was about to make my fourth call to the shipping company when I heard a calm voice in my head say: “You’ve now called both companies three times, for a total of six calls. Their response has not changed. Shy, what is it called when you do the same thing over and over and expect a different result?”

“Insanity” I replied aloud to myself. I instantly remembered Step One. This situation had become unmanageable. I had no control over the shipping company or the store. Suddenly, with clarity, I realized I was powerless over the situation.

Step Two: Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

There was only one thing I felt I could do. I prayed. I needed restoration of my sanity.

Step Three: Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understood God.

Still on my knees, I admitted to God that this situation was best left in His hands than mine. Doing this gave me instantaneous relief! I no longer felt angry or anxious. I trusted God to take care of the situation. The next day, Friday, I was amazed to see that the status update stated: “address corrected” with a new delivery date of Monday.

On Monday I received an alert that the package was delivered, but there was no delivery. Still trusting God to deliver (pun not intended), I calmly called the shipping company. The package was delivered to the wrong building. They gave me the apartment number and my husband and I hastily made our way out the door.

I saw our package immediately!

When we got home, I shared with my husband how I used the Steps to be less stressed. My husband nodded and said, “Yep, you were cooler than a fan.” After a beat, we both began laughing as we stared at our new bladeless fan.

“Keep coming back. It works if you work it. Work it ‘cause you’re WORTH IT!”

Shy D. 9/1/21