. . . . he has struck something better than gold. . . . He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 129
My part of the Seventh Tradition means so much more than just giving money to pay for the coffee. It means being accepted for myself by belonging to a group. For the first time I can be responsible, because I have a choice. I can learn the principals of working out problems in my daily life by getting involved in the “business” of A.A. By being self-supporting, I can give back to A.A. what A.A. gave to me! Giving back to A.A. not only ensures my own sobriety, but allows me to buy insurance that A.A. will be here for my grandchildren.Â
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A tale is told about many seekers visiting the penultimate of gurus and asking the time honored question; “How do I find God?”
His sage answer to each one of them is, “Give alms”.
So many things I didn’t know and so many things I have learned and so many things I do today in contrast to how I once did while I was in the throes of active alcoholism! One thing is certain; if I don’t give it away I won’t keep it.
I’m Harry; my heart is an anonymous giver.
If all I gave back to AA was the money I threw in the seventh tradition basket, I would have nothing but a meeting place in return. BUT if I give the gifts of sobriety away I will find myself to be an eternally wealthy man.
AA works IF you work it! Do the easy things you are told to do and be willing to do the ones you think may be difficult. “Mine & give” these are active things I can get my mind around. giving a dollar or 5$ is still a grand savings compared to what I spent on booze!
This all brings me back to the responsibility statement : I am responsible; when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help I want the hand of AA always to be there and for that I am responsible.
Yes, yes. Gotta give it away to keep it. I do that by picking up the phone – answering calls from other or calling them. Sharing honestly about the failures, successes and strugels in life. By accepting others as they are. By offering my time and love to others. Sharing sobriety and the steps with anyone God puts in my path.
Grateful to be sober today!
It’s not only the money in the the basket. It’s your time, your presense, your stories, your sharing, your love, your successes and your failures. If you give these away to the old timers and the newcomers you receive them in return. It’s these things which I cherish the most.