We were at the meeting today and the subject of our primary purpose came up. To stay sober and help another alcoholic. But always I need to remember why I’m here. I’m here to stay sober one day at a time. To learn to practice these principles in all of my affairs. Or at least try.<\/p>\n
But, as we were sitting there and sharing, another similar thought came into mind. I mean here we were in a group meeting and the primary purpose of the group was sitting right there in front of us. After all the primary purpose for the individual and now the group are tied together. I cannot but help being pulled into this at meetings. That’s our group purpose.<\/p>\n
We’re not there for entertainment. Nor are we there to joke around and act a clown. Not there to discuss personal problems. The long form of that Tradition is the shortest of all Twelve of them. It states that the group should be a spiritual entity whose primary purpose is to carry the program’s message to the alcoholic who still suffers. And in order to do that we have to be practicing our primary purpose and sharing the results of this day to others.<\/p>\n
I know from my own experiences in here that we are supposed to be practicing these spiritual principles in all of our affairs. To have the hope and the faith we have grown to lean on with our Higher Power and being willing to tell others how this program has worked in our lives and changed us from a practicing chronic alcoholic to the person we are today. A sober individual, who is experiencing not just freedom from drinking alcohol, but a way of life beyond our wildest dreams. That new freedom and happiness promised us in the Ninth Step. That restoration to sanity in the Second Step, where we’ve stopped fighting everyone and everything, including alcohol. The spiritual awakening. That change in attitude and relationships which have turned our lives around.<\/p>\n
As I think these things I am struck by the sobriety and life of a friend of mine, who is going through celebrating the anniversary of their sobriety tomorrow night. I know that they and another close friend, with whom we share a loving friendship, will be thinking about them at that time. And I know that they will do what that Fifth Tradition states at that meeting. What a great model they are of how this program works and how it’s helped them to maintain their sobriety, but also how it has changed their life. Amazing.<\/p>\n
What a great friend and a great example for this chronic alcoholic. How grateful I am that I know them and how I have been privileged to be able to share with one another what we have not only learned in here, but the spiritual gifts we have been given. Makes me stop and wish to share my gratitude with our Higher Power and all these people in our fellowship, who have contributed so much to help each of us attain our sobriety and this way of life. I want to thank them and our other friend for the gift of love and friendship I have been given. Thanks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We were at the meeting today and the subject of our primary purpose came up. To stay sober and help another alcoholic. But always I need to remember why I’m here. I’m here to stay sober one day at a time. To learn to practice these principles in all of my affairs. Or at least … <\/p>\n