Only a Step

As we have seen, self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures. It is a step in the development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to receive God's help. Yet it is only a step. ~  Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous

Easy answer, please.
Not just simple, not merely clear
but easy, effortless, no sweat.
Instead we get a maze
with turn after turn, room after room,
each finer and more pleasant than before
but between the rooms discomfort,
self-searching, acquisition of hard truths.
Sure, we pick up fine mementos
of vision, action, grace as tools to wield,
yet on the way to humility feeling like humiliation,
we move on, receiving God's help the whole way.
Then we find more layers of growth,
more knowledge and hope, a step
beyond the step, to greater glory
before moving on to the next.