The pause that refreshes. The old Coke ad. But I was thinking about that: the pause that refreshes. Or, put it another way, the pause that restores.
That really was what it was like for me, when I came in. I was offered a pause from my drinking. I had never really had that kind of moment for over twenty years of constant drinking. For me it was a miracle, though I doubt I appreciated it at the time. Only looking back can I truly see what happened to me.
The word “refresh” means to restore to new vigor and spirit. Thinking about it now, I am amazed that this actually happend to me. Who am I that I should have had such an opportunity, when others just like me never did? Talk about being cut down to size and humbled by the experience of such a happening. It wasn’t because I deserved it. I can only say I was fortunate.
The people in the program at that time offered me the hope that I could be restored to sanity. From the insanity of repeating over and over the awful spectre of that first drink, I was told that all I had to do was acquire a higher power in my life, who could do what I could not do for myself. I was offered the choice to depend on something greater than me and I would never have to drink again. As confused and sick as I was from the constant use and abuse of alcohol, I grabbed onto that idea and have never let go of it. I somehow knew that this was a place of last chances. I really didn’t believe I would get another one. I still don’t.
Today, as we talked about the First Traditon, about our common welfare coming first, I was reminded of what is at stake for all of us. I was reminded of this second step. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. I know that I do.