Those three words–Recovery, Unity, and Service–they often are reminders for me of what it is I need to continue to remember…why I am here.
Anyway someone brought these up the other day. I think he was looking at his anniversary chip. I know I do from time to time. It is often a wake up for me. When my mind wanders off and I find myself day dreaming or just off base. These words bring me back down to earth and hopefully back to the spiritual life we’re supposed to live in here.
For instance that word “Recovery” is one of the most important words, because without it I probably wouldn’t be here. I know the hope I was given, just when I was going to commit suicide because alcohol had me in depression and despair, made me stop and go back and pray. I actually turned my life over to my Higher Power and gave up alcohol to Him. I also turned my life over too. And that stopped me from drinking. I knew nothing about AA and that First Step. But when I came in, I was aware I had surrendered one hundred percent. I have never forgotten that. Hope I never do.
And, of course Unity. That’s what all of us in here need to practice. Hopefully we’ve turned our wills over to our Higher Powers and have stepped back to be together. And this is where Service comes in. Part of that Unity is our being willing to practice that Twelfth Step and reach out to new members and freely give what was freely given to us. We’re all here together to fulfill, not just the Twelve Steps, but also the Twelve Traditions. I know I am. I’m not in control. I’m here to do service for the God of my understanding and to participate with my fellow alcoholics and share my life and my thinking.
I know I’m here to stay sober a day at a time. And I’m here because I had that miracle of being freed of alcohol. I’m so grateful for all I have been given and need to express my gratitude to my Higher Power and all those who have helped me along the way. And so I stopped and took time to think about Recovery, Unity, and Service.