Giving hope

Talk about a wake up call. Today we had a new person and as the meeting went on I suddenly realized that I was reminded of what it was like to be where they were.

In fact I rode with a fairly new person, less than a year, and they were relating what was going on with them. The same thing. I was suddenly aware of what they were going through. Had been there myself and related that to him.

The one thing which came to me was that what I was relating to both of these people today was what helped me to surrender and get sober and stay sober. For me, at least, it was a reminder of why I am here and what I need to do, if I wish to stay sober. And I do.

And in both instances the thought of staying sober was predominant. I was very much aware of right now, this day. And I talked about that with my friend I was riding with. That it’s my job, my task to focus on at the moment. No one can do for me what I must do for myself. It’s my role as number one in my own life. Not egotism, but what’s the most important fact for me, if I want to stay sober and never drink alcohol ever again.

When I got home I had to take time to sit and think about what a close relationship was going on with both of these people today. Not ignoring others, but I was aware of that at the moments I spoke today. And I was reminded of compassion I was trying to pass on to them. The Twelfth Step.

And that reminded me of the spiritual foundation of this program, which I really didn’t speak about to either one. I knew that the newest person didn’t really need to have this today. In fact I did say that that I prayed to God in my surrendering. I knew that if they came back the spirituality we need would eventually be brought up to them, when they were ready. I wanted to concentrate on staying away from a drink of alcohol today.

In each instance I knew that they both needed to focus on staying away from a drink a day at a time like the rest of us. The spiritual foundation we build in here was alluded to by me, when I spoke of the gift of happiness, the peace of mind, the restoration to sanity. Enough.

Anyway I just was glad that I once again had the opportunity to talk to a new person and a fairly young one in the program. To me a gift. I hope that somehow the gifts I have been given were somehow being passed along to both of them. Made me grateful and I know I owe a lot to my Higher Power for this, as well as those present with us today. Even those not here, because they were present in my mind. Again my being grateful.