April 1
Enough to Begin
A difficult relationship can make any small effort look inadequate. A civil greeting will not settle years of friction. Answering a letter will not restore trust. We see how much remains and wonder whether doing so little is almost dishonest. The size of the whole problem becomes a reason to leave the part within reach untouched, even when we know perfectly well what that part is.
Continuing growth asks us to begin where our willingness and the circumstances allow. A modest action need not pretend to accomplish more than it can. We can answer the question before us, keep the promise already made, or stop adding fresh injury to an old disagreement. Those acts have their own value. God may show us further possibilities as we become ready to see them. For now, acknowledging the unfinished work can accompany doing something useful within it.
What manageable action have I dismissed because it cannot settle everything?
The part within reach is worth our attention.
For the A.A. nerds: Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Step Six, pp. 68–69.