Went to a meeting today, which was our chip meeting, celebrating anniversaries. And, we had some really nice receptions on the part of a number of members in here.
Probably the number of old timers and some medium celebrants were short, and a few newer members, including two, who were entering into the program today. I think there were a lot of members, who have been in the program for quite a while, who were touched by these new comers, and wanted to help them. They spoke and were encouraging them to stay in and get sober.
I was hopeful that they would stay in. I know that I have seen too many over time in here, who were short termed and never came back. Always was discouraging, but not destructive to those, who have been here quite a while.
I know it always strikes me that we need to be encouraging, yet not able to change them, no matter what. I know it never gets discouraging to myself or others I know so well. Just want to help them, but we are not in charge. Like they say in the BB, we are not saints but human alcoholics. We can try to do the best we can, but need to be aware of who we are and who they are. We are not in charge.
However all of this reminds me of the Serenity Prayer, telling us we are not able to change others no matter what. I know I can only change myself, and I need the help of my Higher Power to do even that.
Anyway, I have to remember to be of good cheer in here and to be able to talk to others, who are new, and, of course all those I know, which is so helpful to ones like myself. I did that and felt very happy to have been there and gone through this today. I need to thank my Higher Power, and all those, who have helped me along the way.