A.A. is more than a set of principles; it is a society of alcoholics in action. We must carry the message, else we ourselves can wither and those who haven’t been given the truth may die. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 13
I desperately wanted to live, but if I was to succeed, I had to become active in our God-given program. I joined what became my group, where I opened the hall, made coffee, and cleaned up. I had been sober about three months when an oldtimer told me I was doing Twelfth-Step work. What a satisfying realization that was! I felt I was really accomplishing something. God had given me a second chance, A.A. had shown me the way, and these gifts were not only free – they were also priceless! Now the joy of seeing newcomers grow reminds me of where I have come from, where I am now, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. I need to attend meetings because they recharge my batteries so that I have light when it’s needed. I’m still a beginner in service work, but already I am receiving more than I’m giving. I can’t keep it unless I give it away. I am responsible when another reaches out for help. I want to be there – sober.
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I can relate to; “and these gifts were not only free – they were also priceless”. I was ask to pick a man up from detox and take him to a treatment center. That has been the highlight of my day.
This reminds me as I travel today. I ‘looked up’ meetings in the city where I’m going, so I’m ready when I get there. But I will be staying with an old friend who is an alcoholic yet respects my decision not to drink. My friends’ drinking problem causes him/her much displeasure. I will be there. Only this time I can share my E.S. & H. Great day to be sober folks.
I have been asked to be someone’s sponsor and I know that is God working in my life. It had been a while since I had sponsored anyone. I learned that when God sends someone my way, there is another lesson to be learned. Before when I sponsored people they wouldn’t call or some wouldn’t go to meetings and I became discouraged and my sponsor reminded me that A.A. is for people who want it not for people who need it and that when there is a lesson to be learned the Teacher will appear. Sponsorship for me is sharing my experience strength and hope, that’s all I can do and it reminds me where I have been or where I could go……