More clarity

"Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings."

That is Step 7 of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you're not a 12-stepper, you probably won't understand it nor will you wish to. That's fine. Read no further.

Went to a seventh step meeting yesterday. I've read the 12/12 numerous times, done all the step work with my sponsor and sponsees. I've attended a formal Step Study for a year in which we spent 4 weeks just on this step. I've talked about this step and listened about this step over and over.

During that meeting yesterday, it became a little bit clearer.

I pray every night for my HP to remove my defects and shortcomings. As He feels they should be removed. When He feels they should be removed. Not on my time, but His. Maybe not completely either, but enough so that I may better do His will.

What became so much clearer yesterday, you ask? You did ask, didn't you?

When I am practicing Step 3, really practicing it, I have turned over my will and my life to God. When I also practice Step 7, I give to Him all of me. The good and the bad. All of me. Do with me as You will. Take away those parts of me that prevent me from doing Your will. What remains is what my HP wants me to be. At this time.

What I have been doing is asking Him to take my shortcomings -- only. I have been limiting what He is to take. I have been trying to retain some control instead of turning it all over.

More work to do.
Progress.
Not perfection.