I was thinking today about something one of our esteemed members once said: the highest office we can aspire to in this program is that of servant.
If that isn’t a blow to my ego, I don’t know what is. Servant? I’ve always tried to climb to the top of the heap. Wow! That sure is deflating to someone like me. No chance for president, I guess.
All of the above has an awful lot to do with the 1st and 12th traditions. The idea of sacrifice and the willingness to step aside for the good of the group. My will power and wishes have no place, when it comes to the safety and common good of the group.
I know that I have this penchant to want to run things and to tell others what’s good for them and what they need to do. I know exactly how to play the bleeding deacon and have only a passing acquaintance with the role of the elder statesman. Maybe that’s why a friend of mine said in the meeting last week: “Don’t drink, go to meetings, and don’t listen to Ned”. High praise indeed.
The practice of humility is exactly like Bill said it was in the 7th Step. He said if we want to stay sober we’re going to have to seek more and more of it as we go on. Ego deflation in depth is what has been suggested by the elders of this program. A concept which might be difficult for most of us. Not all, but most.
But, what helps me and I’ve heard others say the same, is to work with another alcoholic. Listening to others, who sound like myself, brings me back to earth. Helping them work the steps, helps me. Studying the BB along with them, keeps me grounded. And, when I’m back down on this planet and down on the ground, I can walk side by side with my fellow alcoholics, neither ahead or behind. Just another drunk among others, striving this day for sobriety.
Anyway, this was what I was thinking today and being grateful for all that has been given to me.