I made coffee today as usual for our Friday morning AA meeting - we're averaging over 30 people per meeting which is really good for us. The range of sobriety at the meeting was absoultely incredible - we had folks there on their 3rd day, one celbrating her 1st year of sobriety & a few newcomers early in their sobriety. On one side of the room, there were six "old-timers" sitting together - combined they almost had 300 years of sobriety between them! And when it was their turn to share, did they boast about their sober time? - of course not. They each addressed the needs of the newcomers, especially on the issue of anger - from their own experience, strengths & hopes & encouraged the newcomers to keep coming back. I am most grateful for having attended one of my best meetings ever, surrounded by AA love & fellowship. Each of us can share so much of ourselves together & help each stay sober a day at a time. Thx, Pat B.
Its great that a lot of old timers are still humble, grateful, and giving.
I used to think that as an old timer, I knew all the answers, and an ego to go with them, and was the right hand man to God.
Through a few rude awakenings I learned that I didnt even know half the questions:)
Doesnt matter how long weve been here. All we have is today, and are just one drink away from insanity.
Im still an newcomer, every morning when I wake up.
Its nice to share and help new people in the program when we can, and look back and reflect on how we were in the beginning. The old saying "We hafta give it away to keep it" rings so true.
We pass on what God has given to us,as messengers, any way we can, and never stop learning, in the process.
And yes, my freind. It is a wonderful fellowship. You have a great night.
__________________
Easy Does it..Keep It Simple..Let Go and Let God..
I was personally uncomfortable being an 'old timer'. There is an attitude of 'leadership' instead of humble service sometimes. There is a great couple of paragraphs on it in the '12x12' book about bleeding deacons vs elder statesmen. Now I have 50 days and cannot get on any high horse,,, though I can share my experience, strength and hope and make a commitment to being at the meetings. I can't be a GSR now, or the treasurer. That's good, on my part,,, and there is someone much more qualified than I to take on those important responsibilities. I'm not saying everyone should be where I am at,,, but this is where I am at. I am not one of the 'gurus'.
love in recovery,
__________________
do your best and God does the rest, a step at a time
To clarify, the "oldtimers" who were at oiur meeting were folks in their 80's with 35 to 45 years sobriety. there was one man who just celebrated 52 years of sobriety. And none of them could be called "bleeding deacons" or "elder statesmen". They just love to share their own experiences, strenghts and hopes - especially to those of us especially hurting. Their importance to our group is just as valuable as the newest newcomer & everyone else in between. They're just awesome examples of how AA saves lives & gives each of us a chance at a real good life if we just stay close to our HP & work the AA program. I'm just grateful to be a small part of our wonderful fellowship. Thx, Pat B
That's great, We have 2 anniversaries in the area this month 33 and 34 yrs. They tend to draw the people out. I'm glad to have today. The days are a lot better than they use to be. Good posts
