What is the definition of detachment? In the Al-Anon program detachment is a loving response
to an unmanageable situation. Detach with love but not from the suffering addict or alcoholic. How does a person put detachment into action?
I am powerless over people, places and things. I am powerless over someone else's choices. When I try and manipulate a person to do what I want him or her to do, I am trying to control that
person and the outcome. When my attempts fail at getting someone to change, I am left with a whole lot of baggage such as anger and resentment. I end up feeling discouraged. I end up feeling powerless.
Being powerless is not a bad place to be. It is then
that I become willing to surrender the person or situation to God. I ask for God's help. I begin to feel peaceful again because I know that God will move in ways that will help the person or situation in His time not mine. I am free to change the things I
can. The things I can change are my attitude towards the person.
When I release my hold on the situation, I am better able to detach from the person's behavior but still love this person as a child of God. It is then that I truly am free to love as
Jesus' loves. That freedom is a priceless gift that I cherish and hold on it.
When I am again tempted to control another person or situation, I run to the arms of Jesus and cry out: “I surrender this situation to you. You take care of it. Jesus I trust in you.”
“I am the Light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the the light of life.” John:
8:12
Reflection:
Help me Father to always walk in the Light of Christ and not stumble over my own attempts at controlling another person or situation.