Happy are the pure in heart. -Matthew 5:8
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. -Lamentations 3:40
Celebrate Recovery material makes it very clear that before continuing on in your recovery, it is imperative that you have a sponsor and a support system in place. This lesson begins the process of examination and confession, and it is very likely that memories and emotions will be stirred as you work through the inventory process. Having an established support person is essential as you navigate the healing process of self-examination and eventual confession.
Many individuals look ahead in their books to to the spiritual inventory and become overwhelmed with the daunting task it appears to be. My advice is to take it one lesson at a time and one question at a time. The book will take you through the process, all you need to do is answer the questions with honesty and transparency.
This lesson, Moral, is simply preparation for the Spiritual Inventory you will do in the future. It is meant to prepare your heart and mind for what is to come. The questions encourage you to set aside a place and time to begin the inventory, and prompts you to begin thinking about your life and the self-examination process.
I encourage you to take your time as you progress through this lesson and those coming. Don’t rush yourself through the healing process- allow yourself time to reflect, feel, grieve, and process. And don’t be afraid to reach out to others when you need them- that’s what your sponsor and support system is for.
A couple of years ago, I was introduced to the book Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen. It is a great story about the process of grief and how important it is not to rush it. At one point in the book, the main character, Grandy, mentions that those who don’t make their tear soup properly will have to start over. I’ve found that so true when dealing with life circumstances- if we don’t deal with things properly, oftentimes they come back to us down the road and we have to deal with them all over again.
I mention this to emphasize the importance of taking your time through the process of self-examination and confession as you progress through the next phases of recovery. Give yourself time to process each step before you move onto the next.
If you’re interested in the book, Tear Soup, I found a short clip on YouTube of the first three minutes of the book that is quite good. The book can be purchased from a variety of resources online if you’re interested in reading it in it’s entirety.
