WEEDING THE GARDEN
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for March 4.
Weeding the garden is a lovely metaphor for the daily maintenance of our spiritual lives. You see, we can't just plant the seeds of recovery once and expect a bountiful harvest forever. Every day, new weeds of resentment, selfishness, and dishonesty spring up. The Big Book teaches us to 'continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear' [Page 84]. When these crop up, we ask God at once to remove them and discuss them with someone. This is the weeding process—immediate, honest, and thorough. It keeps our garden of sobriety healthy and fruitful. Remember, 'we are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition' [Page 85]. That means we weed every day, without fail. So roll up your sleeves, get on your knees, and tend to that garden. It's the only way to keep growing.
What resentments or fears are trying to take root in your garden today, and what's your plan to pull them out?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for March 4?
The theme for March 4 is “Weeding the Garden.” Weeding the garden is a lovely metaphor for the daily maintenance of our spiritual lives.
What resentments or fears are trying to take root in your garden today, and what's your plan to pull them out?
So roll up your sleeves, get on your knees, and tend to that garden. It's the only way to keep growing. (Big Book: Chapter 6, pages 84-85)