One, Two, Three, Oops

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and be­come mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move for­ward to further understanding. ~ Hebrews 6:1-3 (NLT)

Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, and be rid of, the things in our­selves which had been blocking us. ~ Alcoholics Anonymous, Pages 63-64

Ah, the recovery waltz, 
one, two, three, oops,
one, two, three, oops.
Important Steps, to be sure,
but the first three
feel safer, less exposed, kinder
than the road ahead.
So we linger, cover fundamentals
again and another time.
We risk, though, 
blocking ourselves,
cutting ourselves off
from the sunlight of the spirit.
When we move on to
further understanding,
we’re closer still to 
promises
fulfilled.

God, give me the courage to face my fears,
to move to what seems treacherous ground,
knowing you hold my hand on the walk
to bliss.