Bill was so right, when he compared us, who are in this program of recovery, to the survivors in a lifeboat. Many of us, who are familiar with the bond formed among those who have shared the battlefieds and came home, how they identify with each other, even when they meet for the first time. It’s enough that they were there. We do the same, when we meet another alcoholic. They have suffered the same harrowing experiences, as we all have. We have a common bond.
If you tell me that you’re an alcoholic, I already know about 80 percent of your story. We sit in the rooms and hear story after story and can find an identity with the man or woman, who is telling it. It’s an essential part of why we are all here.
Bill tells us that we are not people, who would ordinarily mix with one another. Most of us are isolators by nature. But we are literally forced together by our common need, if we are to recover from this disease. The First Tradition describes this for us. The unity necessary, to put aside all other considerations for the common good. Our survival depends upon this. Ask one, who has left the group and ventured out on their own.
But many of us, troubled by a thousand forms of our character defects, have had to learn the practice of tolerance and understanding. It is not an easy thing to do on a daily basis. Minor personallity irritations can lead to a major outbreak of intolerance and misunderstanding. We’ve all seen this and at times have suffered from the same kind of problems. Being able to put differences aside requires sacrifice.
For me, I know that it’s my ego and my pride. I have talked to a number of alcoholics over the years and they report the same thing. All of it boils down to self centered fear, as Bill points out. But in the end, what comes from that is an eruption of our pride and ego. Usually preceded by anger and resentment toward another member. Or maybe a whole group.
To live in perfect harmony is our common goal. But, that’s a tall order. Most, if you’re like me, have to wake up each day and make a commitment to this First Tradition. To seek and do the will of God as we understand Him.
Our very lives depend on this.
Gratitude is a part of this answer to our difficulties. If I am truly grateful for this precious gift, I will live and act accordingly. I will put our common bond first and leave the rest to my Higher Power. After all, we have the tools given us by those who went before us to handle any difficulty we may face.
Just thinking on a cool Fall morning.