One of the great gifts I have found in here is caring. That I know was given to me by my witnessing my sponsor and his great wife. These two showed me how I really needed to be. That and the two friends I met, when both had just gotten sober. They too encouraged me and I have been different ever since.
What am I talking about? About those in here, who are struck by other forms of suffering. Could be they’re swept with sadness from things falling away from them, either in the family or elsewhere. And of course there are illnesses. Short and long term forms, which have their own weights in the lives of those in here, whom are part of our program.
I often go back and think of those I know I had to step out and offer to help, if I could. I’m not talking about bringing a solution to whatever the problems might be, but reaching out and supporting them. I know that over time I spent a lot of moments with many terminally ill members. I couldn’t help but feel blessed for being able to sit quietly with them. And one of the things I have always been struck by is the memory of their smiles. Amazing.
I know I was listening to a few, who have been going through the same things. Once again the message is spiritual. A gift to people like us. To be able to reach out and care for others. It’s part of the gifts this program has provided to chronic alcoholics like us. I never ever want to forget this.
I know for myself that these moments were gifts to help someone like me to stay sober a day at a time. Those thoughts were not there at the moment of being of service. They came after those moments. A reminder once again why I am here. I never ever want to forget.
Twelfth Stepping is a gift we have been freely given. But the inner suffering of those in this program is another gift we are able to give our love to those in need. I never want to forget that. I know others, who are very much aware of these moments in our lives and that of others. I never want to forget these moments in my life. To be able to care and love others in here. Makes me grateful. Gifts of my Higher Power, this program, and those members in here, who have showed me how I can practice faith, hope, and love.