Once a month we take a day out to celebrate anniversaries. Always these seem to be the perfect moment for the Twelfth Step for new people or those coming back. I always hear stories which are demonstrations of how this program works and examples of why people like us need to stop drinking and get sober. Great examples. And today was very much that way.
Listening to most of these celebrants, from people with over thirty years to one with a young person with one chip less than a month in, their words were inspirational and mostly spiritual. They were examples of how this program works. This is much of what I heard at my first meeting in here. What gave me so much hope in the very beginning.
I couldn’t help but think of the Promises in the Ninth Step. Always I think about a new freedom and a new happiness, as the result of being restored to sanity and experiencing a spiritual awakening. And of course not only did I experience these blessings in my life, but I could hear the change in so many of those speaking today.
What struck me was how so many expressed their love of this way of life. The changes they expressed which occurred as a result of being able to surrender and do what was asked of them was so clear. Going from almost total resistance to the program itself to finding them in love with this way of life. And all of them grateful for what they have been given as a result of being able to practice this way of life.
When I listen and think about what has happened in my own life, I can’t help think what a miracle this has been for me. I’m still alive, when I should have been dead so many years ago. And, of course, my hope is that this might inspire a newcomer to turn their life and their will over to this way of life and get sober and never ever drink another drop of alcohol. I can always hope.
And I could not help but think how great a role our Higher Power has taken with all of us. The so many gifts. The hope and the faith and dependency we have as a result of our being sober. I know I often think of that as we sit and talk about what has occurred in our lives since we walked through these doors. The gratitude I hope I’m able to express to others and demonstrate by my being here and carrying the message along with others. And just another reminder that I’m here a day at a time to stay sober with the help of others.