Topic for the week:
It is the last Sunday of February so this week is a service meeting. As the lIstkeeper of the Grow Chair volunteers, I am honored to serve this group so that the suffering alcoholic has a place to find recovery and hope.
Last week, I thought it was the last Sunday. I was trying to look at my list on my phone vs getting out my computer. I wanted the easier softer way. What happened was I did not catch that I was actually looking at the wrong week and I caused a bit of a mess. Luckily, I have a program and I can accept my humanness, admit my mistake and right the wrong. It was not and end of the world mistake, like my head likes to tell me. But one that I could make amends for nonetheless.
So even service can be messy. The great thing is that in AA, we accept the mistakes. I was not fired for this little oversight. Matter of fact, no one knew except me, God and one other person. I was gently reminded that life happens and was accepted, just the way I am – perfectly imperfect.
I was a few years in AA before I actually heard the responsibility statement. ” am responsible, when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”
This is a program of “We”. I need to show up and be a part of so these meetings continue. This is not just a position that I hold, this is a part of my recovery. Talking to the new comers, asking for their number, inviting them to coffee. I do also hold service positions, and I do have to be careful to over-commit. But I want to be the hand of AA.
I would love to hear about how you join in keeping the AA meetings alive. How are you the” hand” of AA? How was this hand presented to you when you first came into the meetings?