10.26.09

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. ~Lao-tzu

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Today I am grateful...

• that my choice of seat was determined by my being late for the 9:30 AM meeting yesterday. My neighbor and I experienced the power of an emotional share from a man 33 years sober, about having chosen in early sobriety to attend a fancy-schmancy party with his old friends. When he found he couldn't stay long he drove past the restaurant where his new, sober fellowship met for dinner and he tearfully shared that he felt so lost because he so badly wanted to be sitting in that restaurant. My neighbor in the meeting and I were in tears, too, because we recognized the power and the beauty that recovery has given us. We were sniffling messes--but good messes.
• that I have today off and it's cool, breezy, dark and rainy. I will go for my flu shot and let my HP direct me the rest of the way.
• that the umbrella of recovery will keep me dry today

Though many of us have had to struggle for sobriety, never yet has this Fellowship had to struggle for lost unity. Consequently, we sometimes take this one great gift for granted. We forget that, should we lose our unity, the millions of alcoholics who still 'do not know' might never get their chance. ~Bill W

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We also know that any alcoholic can easily become cross-addicted if he or she uses other drugs. Our best course is to keep the door open for any person who comes to AA sincerely desiring help. If people find their answer in AA, they probably belong in the fellowship. ~Walk in Dry Places