Interesting today. I got a chance to call and talk to a member, who has been quite ill for a couple of months and can’t make meetings. I have talked to them on a regular basis. All the while I’m there with them and trying to remember to practice the prayer of St. Francis, bringing faith, hope, and joy to them. Seeking to make them comfortable.<\/p>\n
I’ve known this person since grade school. So it’s easy to get them laughing. Usually laughing at myself, which is okay with me. The important thing is to remind and help them to remember prayer and meditation. That’s what we talked about today, just as we have in the past. And to talk about the program.<\/p>\n
The interesting part of these conversations is that it is like what the Fifth Tradition tells us. To carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. It’s a reminder to me of both the spiritual life and our humanness. And it really gets me out of myself and to be able to practice compassion for another person, who is still suffering.<\/p>\n
The most encouraging part of this is that no matter what they are going through the thought of a drink is not there. What they exhibit to me is their desire to work this program in their life. I know that if they could get out and go to meetings they’d be there. It makes me grateful that I am able to go to meetings on a regular basis. A day at a time.<\/p>\n
It’s also a reminder to me that I have gone through some rough times in this program and have always come out on the other side still sober and willing to continue to practice this program. One of the things which got both of us laughing was their form of meditation. Safe Harbor. We had talked about this many times in the past to familiarize them with this method. It’s relaxing and going in a meditation as if we are in a boat out on calm water. Just sitting back and thinking about what we need to and leading us into the spiritual side and safely landing on the other shore.<\/p>\n
What made both of us laugh was that before they see themselves going out they load the back of the boat with their problems. And when they come ashore they said I run out and empty boat and then vanish. Cracked both of us up.<\/p>\n
What’s important to me in all of this it’s a reminder to me of why I am here. What it is I need to be doing on a regular basis. Carrying the message, which was so freely given to me. I remember I was told that if I want to keep my sobriety I have to give it away. Besides it is part of learning to love one another. I have so many friends in here I have learned to love over the time in here that I never want to forget this gift which I owe to my Higher Power and the gift of sobriety I have found in here. Makes me think of the Third Step Prayer, where I want the God of my understanding to be there within me so that others will be able to see his effect in my life. His love, power, and way of life.<\/p>\n
Anyway I had to stop and consider all I have received since I came into this program. The hope, the faith, and the love I have been given. It makes me so grateful. I always need to remember to thank my Higher Power each and everyday. And, of course, all those who have helped me throughout my time in sobriety. How much I owe them all. Especially today how this person has helped me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Interesting today. I got a chance to call and talk to a member, who has been quite ill for a couple of months and can’t make meetings. I have talked to them on a regular basis. All the while I’m there with them and trying to remember to practice the prayer of St. Francis, bringing … <\/p>\n