ALCOHOL vs ME...
Sometimes, as I look back, I realize that I once was almost run over by a large bus. The approaching bus was (is) alcohol, and I had been sitting on the street, asking to be run down. Finally I boarded the bus which was named "ALCOHOL" and guess where the bus at long last stopped? Right at your front door--a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous!
How appropriate! I've been thinking--and saying--for years, that "God brought me to AA, and AA brought me to God". Well, now I know it was BOOZE which brought me here (of course, God allowed that!).
Without my old friends--Bourbon, Scotch, VODKA, 190-proof stuff with the brand name "ALCOHOL", Southern Comfort, etc., etc.--I'd never have found you. And I might have become and remained forever a non-drinking dolt, a dummkopf, an idiot.
So two notions come to mind (dangerous--for me--are 'notions' and 'mind'):
1. I owe alcohol. What? I owe alcohol respect, appreciation and admiration. The power alcohol has--for me--is second only to the Power of God Himself. I thank my friend alcohol for bringing me thus to a life of peace, happiness, love, serenity, and fulfillment. This friend sure was (and could evermore be) a hard taskmaster. He made me to fight right off from the ropes day after day, week after week, and year after interminable year.
Unaware, I fought doggedly for the right to be here. Now that I AM here, I can see, hear, touch, feel, think, and BE. I could never do those things before you showed me the way, people--you members of Alcoholics Anonymous!
I used to be consumed with my 'wonderful' self. I have found that frequently now I am consumed with love and gratitude...to you all, and to my God!
2. I owe someone else. Who? I owe whoever is on that 'bus' (which is named ALCOHOL) to be waiting for them at the end of the line. Whenever he or she arrives, there must be someone to meet and greet them with a smile, a handshake, maybe a hug.
And I will welcome them into a life of freedom. Freedom from fear, freedom of choice, and the real freedom I would offer is that freedom to BE. AA gives me now the freedom to be whatever I wish, the freedom to follow His will NMW (No Matter What!)!
And.....I shall not drink alcohol today. How about you? OK! That's what I thought! -grin!
Carmen: Hope you're still "with it"...
In Love and service,
Sincerely.
Steve E.
