This was one of those meetings, where the Third Step was brought up, but it turned out that all Twelve Steps were right there. One was the subject brought up by a young man, the Third, because he was in all kinds of things bringing him down. And then there was a man there, who had not said anything at the beginning, but opened up that he had been coming around for two days and wasn’t sure he was an alcoholic.
Interesting, because everyone was deeply into what was going on. By the end we had brought almost everything into this meeting. And all was appropriate. I know that I was reminded of what it was like for me. In fact, after the meeting a person, who told me that they had twenty some odd years in here, said that they were suffering from some things the young man brought up. I told them that when I was where they were now, that I had been going through the same thing. And it was back then that I really began to change in every area of my life. What a blessing. I told them I hoped they would have the same experience.
However as the meeting went on the enthusiasm of members was right up front. It was amazing. I could recognize that this was a meeting focused on why we were all there in the first place. From identifying why we had come here in the first place. It then turned into the rest of the Steps in this program, which applied to almost all of the elements. From spirituality, defects, emotions, restoration to sanity, surrender to the First Step, also the Second, the Ninth, and on and on. But all of it appropriate.
Like everyone there I was reminded of why I was here at this moment. To stay sober this day. It made me grateful to my Higher Power, this program, and the people in it, who have helped me to change into the person I am today. I had to think of all the gifts I have been given, especially faith, hope, and love. These were obvious to me today.