I often say that “I love this Program, and I live this Program.” AA has become an integral part of my life, my friends and associates come from the rooms of AA, my life is a series of AA functions and meetings of varying types. I ALSO have a life outside AA, but AA has given me purpose and direction in life, and I work to “practice what I preach.” Service to the Fellowship is part of my recovery program, and it has been that way for years now. My first sponsor told me once that she could see me being of service in many ways, in the Program. At the time, I did not, but today service to the Fellowship is just as important to me as are meetings. Every day of the week I have some form of recovery planned: sponsee meetings; Fellowship meetings; writing about my experience, strength and hope; and service commitments at Fellowship level. There is hardly a day goes by that I don’t communicate with another alcoholic in some form; be it email, phone calls, text messages, or face to face. As I said, I live this program.
I believe God has a plan for me and service work in some fashion is part of that plan. I work to remain open, and willing to step up when a need arises. God is in charge of my life, everyday, all day long. What a comfort that is. All I need do is suit up and show up, the rest will happen in good time, and at His will. I pray that I may continue to move forward in my recovery, that I continue to work as God wills it and that I remind myself how much better my life is for having come to terms with my alcoholISM.
THIS24 
9
January
AN ACT OF PROVIDENCE
It is truly awful to admit that, glass in hand, we have warped our minds into such an obsession for destructive drinking that only an act of Providence can remove it from us.
— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 21
My act of Providence, (a manifestation of divine care and direction), came as I experienced the total bankruptcy of active alcoholism — everything meaningful in my life was gone. I telephoned Alcoholics Anonymous and, from that instant, my life has never been the same. When I reflect on that very special moment, I know that God was working in my life long before I was able to acknowledge and accept spiritual concepts. The glass was put down through this one act of Providence and my journey into sobriety began. My life continues to unfold with divine care and direction. Step One, in which I admitted I was powerless over alcohol, that my life had become unmanageable, takes on more meaning for me — one day at a time — in the life-saving, life-giving Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.
From the book Daily Reflections
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Is an act of Providence an instantaneous occurrence or does it sometimes happened over extended time?
I had an inkling of an idea about Alcoholics Anonymous being an effective institution to help alcoholics simply because I had knowledge of a few people where this had occurred yet I of course seeped in my own personal denial certainly didn’t think it was for me but when nut cracking time came this was where I turned and this published reflection for today summarizes in an eloquent way what happened and what is continuing to happen.
This act of Providence came about over an extended period of time – probably at least 10 or 15 years.
I’m Harry, grateful alcoholic. – Georgia, US of A.
Thanks again to all of you for yesterday’s posts. Love the Vaya Con Dios and the cards and I’m always intrigued when someone says we belong to a cult. God bless!
Thanks for today’s posts too!
Bonnie, your daily lead here is of great service to me, Thank You! I pray that your new responsibilities allow you to continue this…..
I feel that each day that I don’t take a drink is an act of Divine providence.
With a little help from my friends.
I am here today. Nothing can ever change that. I belong here, I’m not a very big part of the universe, but a part none the less, and God wants me here as such. I have a part to play, but it is simply too big for me to discover on my own. So I honestly ask God what His will is for me today.
That is what A.A. has taught me – to relate myself to the universe – to God as I understand Him. In so doing, I can get things in their proper perspective, and find “the peace that passes all understanding”. The things that used to keep me awake nights, now no longer bother me, because I can put them against the backdrop of eternity. The long lonely winter that was alcoholism has turned into spring – the rebirth, the renewal of my life. It is God’s promise. He was there all the time. It just took A.A. to show me the way.
Blessings to Bonnie and all of you fellow trudgers.
Thanks Soto. I’m glad you’re here too
Begin with Yes
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We need to learn the difference between having a willingness to be kind, open and forgiving and being a doormat. One allows us to maintain our dignity and self-respect and the other leaves us with a pit in the stomach. Once you know the difference, your behavior will change forever!
Begin With Yes is a Facebook page you might like…not affiliated with AA-