I was thinking today of the Twelfth Step. In fact I have been reading it in the 12&12 these past few days. And one of the things which struck me was how much this Step is still being practiced in my life with sober members in here with me. I’m still giving and receiving what I need. And so are they.
And this reminds me of the Fifth Tradition, which tells us we’re there to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. And that could be, not just the new man, but even an old timer, who is having problems and needs our help. I know I have been there and was helped. And I know I have talked to others like myself, heard their story and was able to reach out and give what I have learned in here.
One of those things I think of in this Step is the spiritual awakening. I can always stop and think back at this happening to me. Not once but a number of times. It all began back in my First Step, and there were wake up calls along the way. And I will never forget the Ninth Step, when I was suddenly stunned by the changes, which appeared within me. The removal of all those resentments, and anger, after one of my moments of practicing this Step. Not just the awakening, but the restoration of my sanity.
All this is there in this Twelfth Step, when I listen to others share, and when I do the same. I can remember how those old timers helped me by practicing this Step in almost all of my affairs, as I was learning to grow in here. Again I look back and am so grateful.
Anyway, part of this was not just the reading, but I was also reminded by a number I talked to. Not just me to them, but them with me. And all of this reminds me once again of why I am here. To stay sober one day at a time. How great is that?