Filling the Vacuum

In my first science class, years ago, I learned a fact that intrigued me: nature abhors a vacuum. I was reminded of that fact of nature recently at an S-Anon meeting. A member spoke words that could have come right from my own mouth – if I had been honest enough to say them.

She spoke of wanting to stop being so judgmental of the sexaholic and others in her family. She shared about surrendering her critical and judgmental attitude to her Higher Power, and how God was replacing that attitude with a spirit of compassion and cooperation. She said she was feeling so much better about herself and others.

I knew that was what I wanted. I didn’t want to have to be so “right” all the time. I prayed to be released from my own judgmental and critical spirit and to be given an attitude of compassion.

I find that now I am learning to be more affirming and encouraging – not only to others, but to myself as well. Since I was given the words by my S-Anon friend, I am beginning to walk alongside my sexaholic with a more understanding heart. A spirit of compassion and cooperation is replacing my judgmental and critical spirit; it is filling the vacuum.

Reprinted from S-Anon’s Reflections of Hope, page 140.