When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭11

We really don’t like being told what to do or how to do it, do we?

Conversely, we are irritable when we cannot get a snappy response once we ask for directions.

And when we finally take action, we are doubly annoyed when the needed outcomes aren’t immediate and favorable.

Addiction and recovery are both patient. They’ll wait on us to come to them. They’ll offer us a way out—each in their own way.

Two paths diverge. But for some of us, it’s nearly impossible to consider taking the correct one till we’ve journeyed far into the dark center of the forest.

Then, when we realize what we’ve done, the path tilts downward and we keep going, ensuring a difficult if not impossible return.

And indeed, return becomes impossible. Yet we’ve seen others who have emerged. What are we to do?

We never dreamed of where they would lead us. We only considered having to turn around and hike out. And having gone so far already, we took another drink and tried not to think about it.

Their path for us was not back, though. The way out was through the thick of the woods around us. We would need to claw our way through to cut ourselves out.

And we were screwed without a guide. Already, it was difficult. Without help, it was impossible.

God, open my ears to the help that is offered.