Ambition is a heavy thing

For if it's good our heart will sing.

But if our head does work for ill

Then our whole life will pay the bill.

 

“Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” (Proverbs 25:20 New International Version)

 

One of the many definitions of ambition is: “to seek after earnestly; aspire to.” We who are in the midst of struggling with our addictions find that seeking wholeness of life is indeed a heavy burden, both for ourselves and for others. However, merely seeking to be free of our addictive thoughts, words, or behaviors is not enough. We can only climb out of the addictive pit in which we find ourselves if we recognize and admit to ourselves and others that we have mentally, physically and spiritually “hit bottom” and have lost control of our lives. We both want and fear that admission for then the only response can be to take that first step toward healing our relationship with our self and others. This can be a very painful experience for all involved and is never an easy road. Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese artist & poet in US (1883 - 1931), wrote: “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” As we feel the pain of change let us remember that our “heart will sing” and that our song will be in harmony with the lives of others who we have, and will, touch throughout our life.