How good a sponsor am I? When I bring new members to a meeting, do I feel that my responsibility has ended? Or do I make it my job to stay with them until they have either become good members of A.A. or have found another sponsor? If they don't show up for a meeting, do I say to myself: "Well they've had it put to them, so if they don't want it, there's nothing more I can do?" Or do I look them up and find out whether there is a reason for their absences or that they don't want A.A.? Do I go out of my way to find out if there is anything more I can do to help? Am I a good sponsor?
Meditation for the Day ~
"First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift to God." First I must get right with other people and then I can get right with God. If I hold a resentment against someone, which I find it very difficult to overcome, I should try to put something else constructive into my mind. I should pray for the one against whom I hold the resentment. I should put that person in God's hands and let God show him or her the way to live. "If a man say: 'I love God' and hateth his brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"
Prayer for the Day ~
I pray that I may see something good in every person, even one I dislike, and that I may let God develop the good in that person.
Hazelden
(Let it be a God or Higher Power of your own understanding)
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
I thouroughly enjoy this teaching. WHen we have Sin in our Heart towards one of our SIsters or our Brothers. We are supposed to make up with them first before going to GOD for anything. Otherwise he say's that our prayer's will not be heard. It's about Forgiveness! Making a SPonsee follow through as they should, or as they said they would isn't our job. It is there responsibility. However, we sometimes get resentfull, ticked off if stood up, put off, or just plain blown off.
WHen a New Comer comes into the Program. They want to get Sober. They will go to any lengths to get it right? If they are not ready to go to any lengths to get it. They aren't ready. It is that simple!
We are only here to be of Service to our fellow alcoholics. To guide, show, and disciple how to do THe 12-Steps of Recovery if they want "THE PROGRAM" of A.A. The BIg BOOK tells us exactly HOW TOO! and HOW NOT TOO! All I need to do is remember that it is a SIMPLE PRogram. Then pass that information onto the next alcoholic that want's to learn.
Hi guys, This is a huge one for me right now. The resentment I have towards another person is something Im not quite ready to face. I have been praying for this person and my finger pointing is slowly coming back to me. Not having done the step to make amends yet, I am not mentally or spiritually ready to say anything to this person. Honestly, I'm almost fearful to even face that task yet.. I have put her in God's hands for now(although I think I still have a hold of her by a strand of hair!!heehee) Just kidding! Will work on this one today!! Im excited, nervous for today -Im meeting with my sponser to work on the steps! May God bless us and filled us with complete honesty and trust!Lani
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Another great post and very timely for me for two reasons.
First, it's my sponsee's first AA birthday today and she is feeling really good about all that she has achieved. It has been a privilege for me to share in her journey and I am meeting up with her this evening.
And, I so needed to read about resentments right now. I am allowing myself to build up resentments and I so don't want that. I know that it ruins my serenity. So, I shall try my hardest to put something better in mind and pray for the person.
Thanks for a great post.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Oh how much I miss sponsoring! We only have one very tiny AA group here locally, and are very short on women.
I found one of the greatest gifts of sponsoring was that what I was telling my sponsees is what I needed to be doing myself!
Sponsoring also definitely helps keep me out of self.
I hope that someday I will have a sponsee again!
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguements and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
~Herbert Spencer
Thankyou for all your strong & supportive replies regarding sponsorship. We are sponsoring each other in our ways & you are all certainly helping to keep me sober. Congratulations for your sponsee's 1st year, Carol. I'm glad you'll be marking the occasion with her & it's a prompt for me to do something with mine for mine which rightly speaking is ours. Maybe I can take her out to the theatre or something enjoyably fun & exciting like that. I'll get through this last stint at work & arrange it. Thanks for the inspiration. Maybe after my 2nd year I may be fit to pass on what I've learned & practiced too. Be abit more give in my Program. I promised myself I'll get trained up for the phoneline so shall pursue that soon. Hey, there's nothing quite like a little recovered responsibilty to spurry us on. Thanks for sharing with me :) Lani, I had to laugh with your attempt in letting go of your resentments. We're comical arn't we ;) I know you're doing better with this. Good efforts, lady.. Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
"I pray that I may see something good in every person, even one I dislike, and that I may let God develop the good in that person."
I struggle with this one daily at work! Co-workers I MUST interact with...... My usual - "Lord, please help them help their stupid self!" I'll try to replace it with the above.........Thanks Danielle.
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Thanks, Jen. I like that too. I'm nowhere near perfect so I need all the prayers I can get so in that way others do need them too. The ironic thing is that when we're happy we don't tend to take it out or be unkind to others so it stands to reason to pray for them, doesn't it! Also, I won't assume that others don't have a conscience. We all have to live with ourselves. I know I don't always express my apologies at offending or annoying others even when I know I have so I try to take some forgiveness for others from this too. An obvious indication for me to pray more. Thanks, Jen. Have a lovely evening Dx
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
