The unique ability of each A.A. to identify himself with, and bring recovery to, the newcomer in no way depends upon his learning, his eloquence, or any special individual skills. The only thing that matters is that he is an alcoholic who has found a key to sobriety.
As Bill Sees It, p. 257
This comes from the essay on Tradition 5 in the 12 & 12 and I like it a lot. Sometimes I hear people in meetings mention what a "great" sponsor they have recently gotten and how their program will "be better this time." I often wonder why they place so much importance on the greatness of the sponsor. I also wonder what the metric is for sponsor greatness.
Any alcoholic will do as a sponsor as long as he or she knows how to stay sober.
I know quite a few sober alcoholics who I would not consider asking to be my sponsor if I were looking for one. I like what the pamphlet Q&A On Sponsorship and Living Sober both have to say about sponsors. To me, a sponsor is someone who has worked the steps, in order, with another alcoholic who has done the same. They are someone to help guide & direct me through that process . During the time I have been in the program, I have met plenty of sober alcoholics who have never worked the steps, plenty who have, who have nothing I want. The quality of my program does not lie with my sponsor. The quality of my program, my sobriety, lies with me and my willingness to do the work required to maintain a fit spiritual condition. I could have the "greatest sponsor" in AA, but if I don't do the work, I've no one to hold responsible but myself.
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I asked God for all things that I may enjoy life. He gave me life so that I may enjoy all things.
