Yesterday, Rick had a doctor appointment, while we were out, we decided to have a traditional St. Patty Day lunch, ham and cabbage, one of my favorites. We found ourselves walking into an Irish Pub, smiles of joy and loud Irish music added to the festivities of the day.
We soon noticed a familiar face, it was Sonny, a son of friends from Sub Shop days. Soon Sonny`s dad, George worked his way toward us, with open arms and welcoming smile. What an unexpected pleasure. We learned that Sonny is employed by a beer distributor, this local Irish Pub was one of his accounts.
The pub was overflowing with faces, enjoying the Irish celebration, on St Patty`s Day, everyone claims to be Irish! We have not seen George, for many years, so catching up was my priority. George and his entire family had become good friends, during our 23 years of business, in their home town. We had watched Sonny grow and mature into a handsome young business man.
The festivities in the pub started at 9:00 A.M. with breakfast, planning to continue long into the evening. Once we settled in and ordered lunch, I ordered a non-alcoholic brew to fit in; I noticed the true feel of the room, soon faces of joy, gave way to the effects of alcohol consumption.
In the 3 hours of our stay, I noticed Sonny had carelessly spilled 2 drinks, the once smiling young girl that so graciously posed in her Irish attire, now sat alone inhaling a cigarette, displaying an expression of loneliness.
I noticed, the pain that I felt for these unsuspecting victims. Are they opening the doors of addiction, inviting captivate and bondage into their lives? I noticed, the faces of friends and family members in this room of strangers, unaware of their destiny.
Sure this may be only one day, but in my case, alcohol addiction was a slow, but persistent pest that refused to leave. I never thought it would happen to me! I noticed, that I am no longer chained to the bondage of alcohol. I noticed that I had made a wise decision to take control of my life. I noticed, that I did not wake up this morning with a hang-over.
I noticed, that I have experienced the depths of the Lord`s healing grace and mercy from the top of head to the soles of feet; I no longer feel the need to fix anyone, but myself. As Icontinue to exit the grip of co-dependency, I noticed that God is in total control and He does not require my help!
Psalm 131:1-3 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Isreal, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
I noticed for the first time in writing this blog, I changed the name of my friends, is that loyalty or denial, rejecting the opportunity to call their attention to the truth? NOT MY JOB!
Father God, I pray that I have made the right decision, not so sure.......yes, you are right I can pray for them! Thank you, God Amen
John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
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