Orchestra

The word itself reminds me of an orchestra and the way each person, instrument and note is important to the overall sound. Each tiny piece plays a great part in the whole and without the cooperation of them all the masterpiece would be lost. The synchronicity is vital to the result and no matter what genre of music we all listen to, we can agree that the result is powerful. Music can speak words we otherwise could not find, create emotion we didn’t realize was within us and change the entire dynamic of any setting. The way we individually show up in life creates the same effect on the world around us. Often when dealing with addiction in our families it seems as if time stands still momentarily and then without warning races by us at uncontrollable speeds. We find it hard to live in the moment and be present for the people around us. Living this way creates a disharmony in our spirit that will not allow us to be in sync with those around us and most importantly with God’s design for our lives. Recovery teaches us that we are in the world to play the role God assigns. That means we are all dependent on one another in the sense that without each key person the master design is not fulfilled. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous tells us that, “Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity.” This is great news for those of us who have been waiting on our loves one to be happy for us to be happy. It means that we suit up and show up every day to carry out the vision of God’s will for us asking only for the power to carry that out. There is freedom when we find that we can be free regardless of what anyone else in our lives does with their own recovery. The harmony in family recovery comes when we submit not only our own lives to a Power greater than ourselves but the lives of those we hold closest to our hearts. When we can fully understand that those we care about most are not only our husbands, wives, parents or children but ultimately, they are children of God. They have a part to play as well and the realization of this part is their journey. The heartbreaks and triumphs are the notes in to their own song. Without that journey the music would not come together with the same depth, pain and love. The harmony is created when we love them enough to lay down the baton and allow the Conductor to orchestrate the performance. Audrey Woodfin BRC Recovery