Step 6 is clear .. Character Defects are (more or less) cut and dried. I was taught that a step 6 defect is an actual flaw of character.
Lying, Cheating, Stealing, Bullying, Rape, Racism, Resentment, Anger, Fear, Cowardice, Self Pity, Self justification,
Self importance, Egotism, Guilt, Self condemnation, Evasiveness, Dishonesty, Impatience.
Perfectionism, People-pleasing, Apathy, Laziness, Resentment, Hatred, Rage, Selfishness, Pride, Hubris, Arrogance, Envy, Lust, Gluttony.
Step 7 can, at least for me, be a real challenge.
I was taught a shortcoming is falling short. Failing to do something that you 'should' do.
Shortcomings are killers for me.
Let's take watching the Super Bowl.
I wait all year, 365 days from one Super Bowl to the next.
Super Bowl Sunday arrives and I am home, watching the Super Bowl, and I think, "Am I falling short of God's Will for me? Instead of sitting here watching this football game, 'should' I be out helping a struggling alcoholic?"
This past Sunday, the 13th of February 2022, was Super Bowl Sunday.
And? I am in a motel watching all of the pre-game festivities.
And?
My next door motel neighbor (who himself is a member of A.A.) asks me to get him some coffee, and to assist him with something and I can tell that he really wants to visit.
The dilemma? Do I do what God probably wants me to do, help him, and trash my own plans that include my wife (who also loves the Super Bowl) or what do I do?
Here is what I actually did.
I told him I was not going to walk to a local coffee shop about 15 minutes away to support his coffee caffeine addiction (I am also in Al Anon) nor was I going to stop watching the Super Bowl pre-game festivities.
And my basis :
Doctor Bob, in the book Doctor Bob and the Good Oldtimers said :
We (no human being) can not be all things, to all people, in all places, at all times.
And? My wife and I greatly enjoyed the Super Bowl and the next door motel neighbor moved out the next day.
Actual experience. Not vague theory.
The North Scottsdale Fellowship Club located here in Scottsdale, Arizona. A favorite place.
