God is an Al-Anon

“Maybe, just maybe, God is an Al-Anon.”

Recently an AA brother shared this thought, a thought that would give any alcoholic pause.

It sure got me thinking.

As I pondered the idea that God was an Al-Anon member, our brother continued, “even if my Higher Power is not Al-Anon, there are some parallels worth noting.

“Like the spouse of an alcoholic, God is probably horrified at the thought of what’s going to happen during the next drunk, living in fear, knowing it is just a matter of time. And like the spouse, feeling helpless to prevent the next drunk and the consequent wreck that is coming.

“But the Al-Anon spouse learns to love with detachment. He learns to deal with the alcoholic, refusing to be a victim and join in the insanity. She will not cover up or apologize.

“Maybe, in the same way, our Higher Power loves us with detachment. He will not get in the way of our behaviours. Like a loyal spouse, He loves us but does not like what we are doing. He refuses to own our behaviours; if we screw up, He does not cover it up, He lets us experience the consequences.”

Our friend wrapped up his share, “He will not try to fix us until we finally ask for help. As God knows, we have free will; he has determined that it is best that we face the consequences of our actions and decisions.”

The next fellow picked up on the theme; introducing himself, he said, “I agree, and I can see God looking down on me and using Al-Anon slogans. I can see Him now, looking down and muttering hopeful slogans, saying, ‘for goodness sake, Keep It Simple,’ ‘Easy Does It,’ ‘First Things First,’ and ‘Just For Today.’

“And other Al-Anon slogans, adjusted to have God speak in the first person, seem apposite: ‘But For the Grace of Me,’ or ‘Let Go and Let Me.’ The best might be, ‘Let It Begin With Me,’ I am sure God is up there now saying that right now.”

By this time, I was nodding in agreement — even if God is not an Al-Anon, it certainly provides food for thought. And maybe cause for concern.