Today I was reminded of things in the past in this program. One of them was when I was tempted to drink again for the first time. I was about two years sober, I think. I don’t think I had remembered reading a warning in the BB, that I might be placed in a position where I could be without any protection against the next drink. And I was. Thankfully someone was there and told me to step outside and pray and ask for help. I did and I was relieved of the threat. I haven’t had that ever again in this program.
The reason I was thinking about this was that it came up in the meeting, when a fairly early member was going to go to a party where there was going to be drinking. I told my story in detail. I also pointed out that we might just be reading the BB and not studying it and miss these warnings. They’re real, as I found out. Never want to forget that.
But there was also another reason this hit me. A “new” man was in the meeting and I went up and talked to him after the meeting. I had glanced at him and I could see the “confusion” in his expression at times. What I discovered after the meeting, because I went up to him and talked to him, is that he just might be a “binge” drinking alcoholic. Sounded like that.
However I addressed him like I would anyone, who needed this program. I had been exposed to this kind of alcoholic over time in here and had communicated with them, as I did today. Unfortunately they often passed away because of their drinking. Even though they might have thought they were alcoholics, they evidently didn’t believe it, because they continued to drink over and over again.
I was concerned for this alcoholic and thought I might be able to help. At least I tried. And for me that was a Twelfth Step call. And what comes to mind is that this is part of the spiritual program in here. A reminder to me that the spiritual life is not a theory. We have to live it.
And once again the thought that I’m here to stay sober a day at a time is right there in front of me. Makes me grateful that I have been able to stay sober a day at a time. Makes me happy to have been given this privilege, along with other spiritual gifts I have also received. Hope, faith, love, all the promises, the restoration to sanity, and the spiritual awakening. For this alcoholic, miracles. I need to say thanks to my Higher Power and all the alcoholics in here, who have helped me through each of these days. Again, thanks.