…So we look at the sixth step. We emphasized willingness, because there is no substitute for it.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 76
The fourth and fifth steps were difficult, but they paid off. Now I was stuck on the sixth step and in desperation I picked up the big book and read this passage. I was outside praying for readiness when I looked up and saw a huge bird soaring into the air. I watched it suddenly surrender to the strong mountain air currents. It soared, drifted, and soared, doing things that seem impossible for mortal birds. It was an inspiring example of a creature letting go in the face of a power greater than itself. I realized that if the bird had backed down and tried to fly with less confidence, in its own strength alone, it would have disrupted its flight, which clearly seemed to be free. This insight gave me the willingness to pray the Seventh Step prayer.
It is not easy to know what God’s will is in every situation. I must seek and be ready for the currents, and prayer and meditation help in this. I am nothing by myself, and so I ask God to enable me to know what His will is and to give me the strength and courage to carry it out – today.