Tonight, as I walked my dog, I learned a lesson in recovery. She’s still as hyper as a puppy at three years of age. Most of her time is spent either in a kennel or the small duplex we rent. I try to walk her around the block several times every day. I use a long retractable leash to let her roam a bit but keep her safe. Often she will end up at the end of the leash.

So, what does this have to do with recovery? If I turn it around and look at it from another perspective, God has given me a will (leash) and lets me roam wherever I want with in that area of protection. If, like my dog, I keep playing at the end of the leash (seeking to do my will), sooner or later, He’ll try to get my attention with a consequence (jerking the leash). If I get off the leash (acting out), I run with abandon without any regard for my own safety or other people’s feelings.