Preceptor

I learned a new word today. Preceptor. It shouldn't be a new word. Know why? Because it's in Overeaters Anonymous, 2nd edition. The Acknowledgement begins:

This book would not be possible without our great preceptor, Alcoholics Anonymous. 

My dictionary simply defines the word as "a teacher or instructor." Obviously, though, the word is derived from "precept" which gives a deeper understanding of the role of a preceptor. Merriam-Webster says a precept is:

1. : a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
2. : an order issued by legally constituted authority to a subordinate official

So, the teacher, the giver of precepts, the educator is the general rule of action, or as the Big Book says, the basic textbook, the lesson plan, the curriculum of the Twelve Steps. "Legally constituted authority" rings of the lesson on pages 60 and 61 talking about, "Most people try to live by self-propulsion," and "if only people would do as he wished, the show would be great."

I'm not in charge. My only job is to turn my life and my will over to the care of God as I understand him and to seek only to know His will for my life and to have the power to carry that out.

May the Twelve Steps be my preceptor today, this day, the only day I have.