FIRST, THE FOUNDATION
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for January 2.
In AA, 'first, the foundation' means we must start at the beginning: admitting we are powerless and that our lives have become unmanageable. Doctor Silkworth describes the alcoholic's physical allergy and mental obsession, calling us 'restless, irritable and discontented' without alcohol [xxviii]. That is the bedrock of Step One. But the foundation isn't just surrendering to a disease—it's also surrendering to a spiritual solution. Bill writes, 'We had to quit playing God. It didn’t work' [62]. The real foundation is laid when we turn our will and lives over to a Higher Power, as the Third Step Prayer on page 63 says: 'God, I offer myself to Thee—to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.' So 'first, the foundation' reminds us not to skip ahead. Don't try to make amends or carry the message before you've settled this first surrender. Everything else—the promises, the joy, the service—rests on this one stone.
What does it mean for you to 'quit playing God' in your life today, and how might that change your approach to the rest of the Steps?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for January 2?
The theme for January 2 is “First, the Foundation.” In AA, 'first, the foundation' means we must start at the beginning: admitting we are powerless and that our lives have become unmanageable.
What does it mean for you to 'quit playing God' in your life today, and how might that change your approach to the rest of the Steps?
Everything else—the promises, the joy, the service—rests on this one stone. (Big Book: The Doctor's Opinion, page xxviii, and Chapter 5: How It Works, pages 62-63)