Sometimes it’s hard for me to understand some of the changes in this program. One of them is meetings.
I remember meetings back quite a while ago. Back then they were exactly what the Fifth Tradition talks about. They carried the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. And that’s not always the newcomer. Often it is someone who has been around a while.
It was not about personal problems. They were to be talked about with sponsors or other people in the program or professionals outside the program. Unfortunately things have changed, because members today are fearful of causing frets among members.
Today there were three subjects and they caused some problems for those called on to speak up. And basically it got back to carrying the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. Most talked about staying sober a day at a time. That if we can stay sober we will be able to work things out over time. Like they pointed out that time takes time.
I know for this alcoholic that it took a long time for me to arrive at the place I am today. But what I was really happy about and really thrilled was that I was able to stay sober a day at a time and not have to go back to drinking alcohol again. In fact it’s that which has allowed me to not only stay sober but stay alive. I’m still amazed that I am still here. Amazing.
Anyway I was pleased that the majority of members today picked up on our need to stay sober and that if we put this program into action that is exactly what will happen for most of us. And the fact that we only have to stay sober for today. I try to think about that each and everyday I have been in here. That’s what my sponsor and those old timers encouraged me to do each day.
I couldn’t help but be grateful today. The emphasis on the spiritual side of this program added to this. I love that because I know how grateful I am to my Higher Power for all of this. And of course those old timers and others in here who have helped me over time.