. . . . A.A. is really saying to every serious drinker, "You are an A.A. member if you say so . . . nobody can keep you out." TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 139
For years, whenever I reflected on Tradition Three ("The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking"), I thought it valuable only to newcomers. It was their guarantee that no one could bar them from A.A. Today I feel enduring gratitude for the spiritual development the Tradition has brought me. I don't seek out people obviously different from myself. Tradition Three, concentrating on the one way I am similar to others, brought me to know and help every kind of alcoholic, just as they have helped me. Charlotte, the atheist, showed me higher standards of ethics and honor; Clay, of another race, taught me patience; Winslow, who is gay, led me by example into true compassion; Young Megan says that seeing me at meetings, sober thirty years, keeps her coming back. Tradition Three insured that we would get what we need - each other.
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Not only do I get the ES&H from people I would not normally co-mingle with but I've come to realize the 'desire' for ME to stop drinking came from God via the silent meditation and prayers from AA's. .... The Good Book (that I believe in) tells me He will grant me the desires of my heart (if I do my part, of course)......and because if there were any other requirements, I'd have been kicked out long ago!
Just to name a few........
-- Edited by Doll at 05:57, 2008-01-25
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
I have a friend whose been in and out of the program the last couple months. I just hit it off with her from the get go. When I first started going to meetings, I'd have a drink every now again, but I kept going to meetings. Finally, GOT IT after about 2 months of this. I shared with her what I was going thru and she, having 3 months at the time, was there with me the whole way. Its funny, now I have 3 months, she's drinking every now and then but keeps on going to meetings. I told her the "only requirement is a DESIRE to quit drinking..."
Some sooner than others.....
Im just thankful that my HP has chosen us not to be drinking at the same time because who knows what would happen!
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. "
