One of the things, which jumped out to me today, is working with others. Never want to forget that this is an essential part of the program and staying sober. It is also a step in the direction I learned in here of three essential things I need in my life: hope, faith, and love.
I was told a long time ago that the Twelfth Step is a great part of this spiritual way of life we’re supposed to be living. And looking back I can remember how great a role those old timers played in reaching out to others and helping them to acquire a sober way of life. Or, as I often heard, freely giving to others.
I received a note from an old friend of mine in here, talking about working with others. I also was able to talk to a number of people, who represented the need of help from alcoholics like myself. It is often a humbling experience for someone like me. Freely giving what was freely given to me.
It also reminds me of some of the prayers we learn in here. Things which help me to stay sober a day at a time. Those, which help deflate my ego. The first is the Serenity Prayer, helping me to learn how to handle what I cannot change, despite my efforts. And then the Third Step prayer, where I can only hope that the changes in me will help others begin to believe in my Higher Power’s love, power, and way of life.
And, of course, I never am supposed to limit this Step to the new person or one coming back. The Step, as I learned it, is also available to other members in here, who are suffering from problems they are in, and need the grace and the power of the God of our understanding, which can come from freely giving how this program can work for all of us in here. Being willing to give to them what was given to us.
Anyway I needed to sit down and think about this, as always. Just another reminder of why I am here. To stay sober a day at a time. To be grateful to my Higher Power, my old sponsor, those old timers I knew, and all those in here, who help me a day at a time in here.