One thing supremely well, rather than many things badly. Of course the key to all of this, and the key to sobriety, is humility.
We were talking about the Fifth Tradition today. That the group ought to be a spiritual entity, whose primary purpose is to carry the AA message to the alcoholic, who still suffers. And the message? There is a solution to our problem with alcohol.
Bill W. writes about this in the 12&12. Very clear and very concise. I’m here to carry this message and keep all my other stuff out of the mix. I’m here to share what solved my overwhelming problem with my drinking. The program of AA and the 12 Steps. The discovery of the spiritual solution. Coming to believe in a power greater than myself who could restore me to sanity. And basically, that’s the message.
Oh, and yes, my experience. That’s what I heard at my first meeting. I heard those men and women sharing just this message. Guess what? It worked. I found hope in that meeting. I heard what they said. I knew they knew about drinking alcohol and how it had destroyed lives, but coming in here had changed all of that. They had found a higher power, who did restore them to sanity, as far as alcohol was concerned. They were sober, no longer drank, and were happy with their lives. They had the power not to drink and I wanted that desperately.
They did one thing supremely well. They gave me the AA message. And it worked. It’s been working ever since that first night. My hope was fulfilled and faith was born from that hope. I came to believe in a power greater than myself, and, as far as alcohol is concerned, I have been restored to sanity. What a miracle for me. I had nearly died and was definitely insane. Now I’m not. I’m still alive in spite of myself, thanks to AA and my higher power.
Anyway, when I got home, I had to go back and read that tradition again. How much I owe to these Steps and these Traditions. I and so many others are sober and living a good life because of them. It reminded me of the old statement we used to hear years ago. KISS. Keep it simple stupid. That sure fit me and worked for me. Singleness of purpose is simple.