One of those things I was reminded of lately was what went on a few years back. That was back when I was working with a lot of others in this program. It was amazing when this hit me in the last few days in here. And all of this from my being given the gift of being able to talk with those, who, like them in the past, were telling me similar things I was presented with by them.
And all of this brought up my old sponsor and some others, who were able to teach me and help me to grow like them. People who were handed trouble through their thoughts, and then they came and told me what they were. Just like I did with my sponsor and other old timers.
Of course this brought up one of those things my old sponsor and others taught me. It was because I had brought so much trouble in with me, when I stopped drinking and became willing to do what I was told to do. And that pushed one of the most dangerous things I was being driven by. And it was one of those, which killed my first sponsor and another friend in here. Resentments.
My sponsor and others showed me how these negative emotions were running my life. And when they did, I was suddenly aware of what they were talking about. How self pity, anger, feeling sorry for myself, and other negative feelings, especially resentments, were able to tear my life apart and possibly get me back to drinking.
I was able to talk to a few, who were going through the same thing. Hopefully they were listening and coming to be aware of what it was that worked to change me and insure, not just my positive thinking, but my spiritual thoughts, which helped me to change.
Anyway, when I sat down this afternoon, I had to take more than just a minute and think about this. It brought up a very important thought, one of gratitude. Not just being thankful to my old sponsor but also my Higher Power, to whom I owe so much in here. And that began, when he removed my pain and despair, when I was able to surrender and hand over my alcoholism. And that opened the door to this program, AA.
I’m always grateful, when I get a reminder of why I am here. I was given the gift of sobriety and a way of living a sober life a day at a time. I need to stop and say “Thank you,” to those wonderful old friends and helpers. But to do never forget how much I need to do the same thing to the God of my understanding for the faith, the hope, and the love I was handed by him.