25. Wisdom consists in doing the next thing you have to do, with your whole heart.

“Wisdom consists in doing the next thing you have to do, doing it with your whole heart, and finding delight in doing it.” ~ Meister Eckhart

It was once attributed to St. John Vianney, the patrol of priests, “A need in the world is met by a deep joy in me.” I struggle with this even though AA tries to teach us every day to have the courage to do the next right thing. AA has been around for just over 75 years. Eckhart taught us this around 700 years ago. There are no original thoughts, only restatements of principles that exist through time.

AA does not dwell on doing the next right thing with your whole heart or to do so with delight. It would seem that doing the next right thing should be enough. Perhaps the doing the next right thing implies doing it for the right reason and with the right attitude but that is left unsaid.

The point here is that is not enough to just do the right thing because an action does not speak to devoutness of character. Any one can do the right thing once in a while but the commitment to do the next right thing every time does require a commitment. Such commitment requires a positive action and not a negative reaction because negativity does not regenerate it self to do right. If you have to do something, anything it will seem to be drudgery, a burden , a waste of time. If you WANT to do something the opportunity brings pleasure, satisfaction and even gratitude for the opportunity. Wisdom, then, becomes a routine and not just a momentary achievement.

Seeking wisdom can offer us the glimpses into the next world which will reward our efforts and reaffirm our sure and certain knowledge of life in the next world where only joy exists because of a complete devotion to doing what is right.