A woman today, who was celebrating her anniversary, asked if we could talk about how it was before and how it is today. Interesting to hear and think about.
I heard a lot of good stories today, which talked about how far down alcohol had taken some of us and then how their lives turned around after they came to AA. How wonderful life is for them today, despite whatever problems have arisen in their lives. They never had to take a drink again.
That kind of example to me is so profound. I’ve always loved to be reminded of what it was like and what happened. It always gives me the incentive to continue to work this program on a daily basis. To grow along spiritual lines.
And it was that, which rang a bell for all of us. The constant theme of spirituality. The necessity of a higher power in our lives. How the God of each of our understanding had brought them to a point where their lives were turned around and changed. How everyone, who spoke, talked about how their characters were spiritually changed. So many spoke about how they were so self centered before and now were willing to focus on others and how they could help them. The change in their relationships.
I couldn’t help but think of how it was for me also. How quickly I drank my way through the “fun” part of my alcoholism into that chaotic hell I was going to have to spend my life and that of my family and friends in. Then how the awful despair I reached and near suicide, which led to this program. And coming in here, suffering from a spiritual malady, a “God hole” within me. And then the 2nd Step after I had surrendered, which began the process that not only saved my life, but altered it for the better.
Anyway, just thinking about the miracle this program has given me. It not only provided me with a sober life, but it gave me my higher power, the God, who continues to foster me and provide me with the grace needed to practice these principles in all of my affairs, thus healing the spiritual sickness I came in with. I’m glad I had the opportunity to sit and participate in such a meeting. Not just a wonderful reminder, but just the reinforcement I need to continue on a day at a time.