Experience, Strength & Hope for $6.02

I recently purchased a copy of "As We Understood" from Amazon.com which is a book of Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. I like purchasing used books from Amazon and have purchased many books for a fraction of the original cost. The copy I purchased, was listed as being in "Very Good" condition. When I received my copy of "As We Understood," it was completely highlighted with dog ears and folded pages throughout the book. So many in fact, that it was difficult to open the book without instantly being brought to a page that was dog eared. I was frustrated and a little upset with the books condition, so I sent an email to the seller advising them that I have purchased many books from Amazon, all of which were listed in "Very Good" condition and most of them were in what I would call almost "NEW" condition when they arrived.

Today I really needed some Experience, Strength and Hope so I opened my book bag to grab out my copy of As We Understood for a quick read. The dog ears opened to a page with a story about an Al-Anon who one day noticed that life before working the steps could be likened to what could be called "Acceptable Insanity." They described acceptable insanity as times when the mind wanders from making sense, to obsessing, over what they called "Mind Garbage." I appreciated the wisdom in this story, as it was a reminder to me that the program is not just about Alcohol, the 12 Steps we work can be applied to all our affairs.

Upon reading this story I realized that I had in fact created mind garbage of my own, as I wasted time and energy obsessing about the condition of the book. All of a sudden while reading this story, I truly believe my Higher Power wanted me to see through the mind garbage with absolute clarity. I realized that his book in all it's highlights, dog ears and folded pages was not in poor condition!! It was beautiful!! For in my hands I held a meeting, the attendees were those who read this copy before me. The highlights, dog ears and folded pages were their shares to me of their Experience, Strength and Hope!!

The next day I wrote back to the seller and apologized for my email. I explained my new found view for the copy they had sent me, and thanked them. I am glad for my program, I am happy to be learning to not sweat the small stuff, and to be able to see the good in places I was unable to before.

To those who had this copy of "As We Understood" before me, I thank you for your shares!! I am learning much, and hope to someday pass my dog ears to someone else who needs a little Experience, Strength and Hope!!