Talking to a friend of mine in the program today reminded me of the gifts we have received. Couldn’t help but think, because he had just celebrated his thirty-third anniversary in his sobriety. Talk about gifts.
I’ve known Jim a long time. Not quite, but almost as long as he’s been sober. And this is another gift we receive. Friends, as a result of coming in here. He mentioned that and I was aware of what he was saying. I know I can go back and look at all the friends I have made since coming through these doors. And after all these years our friendships are just as strong and will last the rest of our years on this earth. As long as we stay sober, I guess.
That led me to think about Jim’s life in here. Mine too. The other gifts we’ve been given. Of course sobriety was the first one we received. That and the gift of the Twelve Steps, which seems to me the way we firmed the gift of sobriety up. The spiritual awakening, which restored us to sanity.
And that’s another gift I had no conception of, when I came in. The gift of a spiritual way of life, which we found in the Steps. The Higher Power, who restored us to sanity. Another great gift I, we all receive. The lack of power I suffered from, was taken care of by my Higher Power, who empowers me each and everyday to live this sober life.
I have to remember how I have been taken care of in spite of myself. Not just restored to sanity, but the fulfillment of the hope I got, when I came in here. And the result was the gift of faith. Trust in my Higher Power. And that was because of at least a minimal reduction of my self centered ego, so that I could surrender and accept this way of life.
And all of this is supported by those in this program, who are my guides and examples of what this way of life is all about. From them I receive their gift of giving to me and others. All because these groups were given the gift of the Traditions of this program, which holds them together. Freely giving the message to the suffering alcoholic like myself.
Anyway, Jim reminded me of these gifts and I know more, which he and I and others have received. Made me grateful to be able to talk to him today. I need to say thanks.