My God does for me what I can’t do for myself.
I am so grateful for how my God gently turns me in the direction that I do not realize or even remember I need to go. I recently had an experience that was clearly my God reminding me of my program tools.
It was a lovely clear day and the original plans for the day for my partner and I had changed. I suggested we instead take a ride to a lake about 30 minutes away. I was expecting to enjoy the ride, grab some food at the lake and enjoy the outdoors. I am clearly reminded that having expectations is setting myself up for disappointment…unless God steps in.
As we drove along the pine lined road, all was going as I expected with beautiful scenery and relaxation until we approached a delay for road work. It happened to be right at a restaurant we visit frequently. Unbeknownst to me, his intent all along had been to eat there and he was not prepared to drive any further with the closed road. He was grateful we made it up to our breakfast stop. My response was shock. How could he assume that was where we would have breakfast? Why couldn’t we just sit for the 20 minutes until they let cars pass? I let him know that wasn’t my plan. He calmly responded, “How was I to know?” I had not mentioned my plan to eat at the lake. I was reminded…ask for what you want, people aren’t mind readers. Come to find out, there are no restaurants open near that location anyway.
During breakfast my partner was quiet. I was giving up on our day trip. Then our waiter informed us of a way around the blocked road and my partner was willing to give it a try. As we left, the flags were lifted and we were able to drive right through the original road – the timing was perfect. God’s timing is always perfect.
We arrived at the lake. It was clear, sunny and beautiful. We walked down to the beach and sat on the large rocks and enjoyed the serene view. We spoke about his past experiences with his family at the lake, the annual draining/filling/freezing of the lake, the floating marina docks, and the terrain and dam along the four mile hike around the lake. It was so peaceful and beautiful. We were enjoying our conversation, and I was happy. I asked if he would walk with me to the marina which was only a few hundred yards away. He declined. I asked if his back was bothering him and he replied yes. I made a choice to go alone. With some attitude, I suggested he could go to the car to wait and scroll his social media (which drives me crazy). I tried to say it nicely and thought I was taking care of my needs….but, I am sure my tone and attitude was apparent. I started resenting him for not agreeing to accompany me. The path was rustic and beautiful, but I was so busy in my head fuming and being ticked off, I could not enjoy it. I knew I was sabotaging my serenity and robbing myself of the opportunity to be present in nature and its graceful peace surrounding me. Be grateful, take a moment at a time and be present where your feet are planted. It occurred to me I better call my wise sponsor and see if reaching out and reasoning it outcould help me get a grip.
After several rings my sponsor answered but I sensed she was busy and asked if it was a bad time. She kindly responded she was in the Wednesday noon “One Day at a Time” Zoom meeting. I first was regretful, but then it occurred to me, I could and should attend a meeting. I sat myself down on a comfortable rock and did just that. It was perfect and I listened. I texted my partner to let him know what I was doing but no response. I sent a second text asking if he was ok with that…again no response. But I stayed and heard exactly what I needed to hear.
As I headed back to the car, it occurred to me that he could have elected to sit on a rock or bench and enjoy the surroundings. Not my business ~ He has his own Higher Power. He was napping in the car, content as could be. Although my phone showed the texts were delivered, they did not arrive until we had better reception. I later learned that he had not heard my request accurately. He thought I wanted to take a much longer walk. Assume good will and make sure to communicate clearly.
Another tool to remember, do not listen to the committee in my head ~ Let go and Let God. I created a crazy scenario that did not even exist. I was getting very resentful and almost missed an opportunity to enjoy the miracle and beauty of the nature surrounding me….But my Higher Power had a better plan and led the way…. Thank you my God for always being there with me, always available, even when I forget to ask. Thank you my God for my program.
This is a perfect little prayer from our daily reader, One Day at a Time (April 18):
Let me turn my thoughts away from the
torments of the troublesome moment,
and think of Your ever-present help and support.
Anonymous April 18, 2026
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