If ever there was a metaphor for my life right now, it came by way of an expandable metal drying rack. Our RV has washer/dryer combo unit in which the unit automatically begins drying when the laundering is finished. Because I’ve had limited, sporadic success with the dryer-part of it, I usually hang my laundry on the expandable drying rack.

It’s often said that God works in mysterious ways and that He has a sense of humor, too. He sure made me laugh out loud the other day when I attempted to open said drying rack (which had been wobbly for quite some time) and it practically fell apart in my hands. Heretofore I’d ignored it, thinking it was just getting worn out and would need replacement. It never dawned on me to check the screws that were holding it together–and don’t ask me why. Turns out every single one–18 in all, nine on each side–was loose! It was a wonder that it hadn’t come apart much earlier. To further the irony, the screw that needed tightening the most required twelve full turns of the screwdriver. There just happen to be twelve steps in my recovery program.

I would like to think that I didn’t ignore the situation intentionally, but the truth of the matter is that I did. The rack had been shaky for quite some time and I hadn’t done a thing about it. Seeing the truth about this rather insignificant thing prompted me to look at my personal situation as it truly was. It became clear that it isn’t going to get better on its own; I need to do something now or it is destined to collapse like the drying rack.

Twelve Step support groups place a lot of emphasis on belief in a Higher Power and even though I wasn’t 100% convinced of it myself, when my life took a 180-degree turn recently, I chose to follow clear directives I’d been receiving by way of readings, conversations, and AA meetings. The messages were to live in the present moment. Trust God. And have gratitude for everything, even circumstances that I perceive as “bad,” since growth is promised to result. I hate learning a lesson the hard way, but I must admit, it usually only takes once.

It’s only by the grace of God that I am capable of making a better-than-average attempt at living a sane, purposeful life these days. Thanks to the spiritual tools I’ve collected along the way, I’m discovering that living life on life’s terms can be lived calmly and with amazing poise instead of irrationally and reactionary. I’m honest when I say that all things considered, I’m doing very well.

Time spent with my Higher Power first thing in the morning centers me like nothing else can and prepares me for whatever the day has in store. Since there’s no point in worrying (so I’ve been told) I purposely live in 24-hour chunks, passing the time just doing the next right thing, whatever that happens to be. Somebody in a meeting once said that doing that equates to doing God’s will, and that makes perfect sense to me because when I do this, I’m amazed at my productivity and effectiveness. Well, not mine. That’s my HP revealing His glory.

If you’re having a really tough time and feel like you’re coming undone like my drying rack, you’re welcome to try all or any part of my regimen. You won’t believe how liberated you’ll feel when you accept your situation just the way it is (you don’t have to like it) and trust that your Higher Power has everything under control. Most importantly, be grateful for your situation and everything you’re learning in the process–force yourself, if necessary. After all, this, too, shall pass…it didn’t come to stay.