Was reminded of hope today. What a powerful part of the spiritual way of life. I can never forget, nor do I want to, what my sponsor did for me. He was the one who got me to take the Second Step.
Actually hope came into my life just before I came through the doors of the program. I got hope when I found there was a way out of alcoholism. Even when I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I can remember the blackness within and then the announcement from a friend that there was a place where men and women met and stayed sober. That actually turned on a bright light within me. Can’t forget that moment.
Then there was that first meeting. I received a lot of hope then. However I began the program by thinking that I could go to meetings and stay sober without changing anything other than not drinking. Like my sponsor pointed out to me that I didn’t know I didn’t know. I only thought I did. And of course I was wrong. And that’s where the Second Step came into my life.
Talking to a young friend of mine today, the thought of hope came to mind. I found myself wanting to place hope within him. I know how much hope has done for me. It was the beginning of faith within. The realization that my hopes were becoming real. How can I ever forget any of that?
That faith and the hope have grown over time in my life. Just working this program and having that spiritual awakening. The restoration to sanity as far as alcohol is concerned. Even knowing that my junk, my stupid insanity as evidenced by my character defects, the human condition, is not a discouragement for me. I have no expectations of perfection in my life. But I have faith that my Higher Power will keep me sober. The fulfillment of hope over time has reinforced my faith.
I go back to the Ninth Step and the promises. When I realized that new freedom and that new happiness, it was the beginning of, as is stated, of serenity and peace of mind. Amazing. A miracle for this alcoholic. Even the defects have been reduced over time. Nothing like they were when I walked through these doors. More than I had ever hoped for.
Anyway, in thinking about sobriety, I couldn’t help but bring hope into the picture. A wonderful way of thinking and living. Am grateful as always.