Today’s meeting was one of the freshest in quite a while. For one thing, the leader chose the First Step as the topic. That choice was welcomed by quite a few. I know I would have chosen the same topic. And then, after a few spoke on their experience with this, a young person was called on and it opened the door to everyone.
It was obvious that this person was in a struggle with their being an alcoholic. And their obvious suffering was quite clear, although they seemed to have been in attendance of meetings for a while, so what they were saying helped the rest to address experiences of their own, which identified with what they were going through.
I know that my thoughts were directed at where this person had been able to describe their painful struggles. At least I thought I was able to do that. I limited what I was saying to the pain and suffering I went through, and my surrender to my Higher Power, which freed me from alcohol. Something I have never forgotten.
Like everyone in the room, I knew that our responses to this person were helping all of us.
I know it was a focus on our being able to get sober and stay sober. Hopefully a demonstration to this person that AA is a program, which has helped so many like ourselves, and opening the door for them, if they want it. But like many responses to them, it made clear that time takes time. We just have to surrender, and then hang on and follow directions, which help us to put this program into action.
I also noticed that there was an offering of good will and a freedom of bondage from our own selves. A promising growth and a gift of happiness and peace within. Pretty much an offer of the changes we go through, as a result of our working to stay sober a day at a time. Our surrenders.
Anyway, I know in our discussions after the meeting, that there was a lot of hope for this person, which always renews hope within me. I know I was not alone.