Daily Reflection

JANUARY 7
AT THE TURNING POINT
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning
point. We asked His protection and care with complete
abandon.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 59
Every day I stand at turning points. My thoughts and
actions can propel me toward growth or turn me down the
road to old habits and to booze. Sometimes turning points
are beginnings, as when I decide to start praising, instead of
condemning someone. Or when I begin to ask for help
instead of going it alone. At other times turning points are
endings, such as when I see clearly the need to stop
festering resentments or crippling self-seeking. Many
shortcomings tempt me daily; therefore, I also have daily
opportunities to become aware of them. In one form or
another, many of my character defects appear daily: selfcondemnation,
anger, running away, being prideful,
wanting to get even, or acting out of grandiosity.
Attempting half measures to eliminate these defects
merely paralyzes my efforts to change. It is only when I ask
God for help, with complete abandon, that I become
willing—and able—to change.