Thursday, May 03, 2007

newcomer energy

We've had a newcomer at our home group the past couple weeks. He's a retiree that had a successful life that included plenty of drinking. But, the wheels never came off the cart until after he retired. From what he's shared, about a yr and a half ago he was warned by his doctor that he was going to die if he didn't quit. So, he quit and got healthy for a year and a half. A recent "out of the blue" frightening binge brought him to us.

There's nothing quite like the energy an eager newcomer brings to a meeting. Last nite he shared a concern of his about his emotions running first really high, then dreadfully low. He wanted to know if any of us had experienced that at any point, lol. Of course, we all sat there grinning at him as he shared how he was feeling. We assured him that we'd spent a bit of time on the emotional rollercoast ourselves. We talked about the importance of seeing the doc, getting to meetings, not making any decisions or taking any major actions while in the midst of this roller coaster ride, we talked about "feelings aren't facts" and "this too shall pass". Last week we were out of Big Books so all I could give him was a 12X12 and a handful of pamphlets. This week we gave him his first Big Book, and encouraged him to keep coming back, to find a home group and think about a sponsor to help with the Steps. What a great meeting for all of us. And in typical fashion of course, he was hoping that someday he could share with a new guy all that we were sharing with us, as he didn't want to come to AA and just take help, he wants to give it. We assured him that he's already helping us immensely! Good old fashioned honest AA, I love it! Since we're in a small town, we don't get too many new guys too often so it really energizes the group when a guy like this comes along, lol.

Prayer for today...

JC/HP/God, thanks for another sober day,a nd thanks for bringing our new friend to the meetings. I pray that we're able to be a good support group for him, and that You might work through us to help him in his recovery. God, thank for the level of business coming my way these days. I think I am now officially busier than I have ever been in my years in the industry, and I am exceedingly grateful. I thank You for helping me to remember that I am here to be of service, to help people, and if I do well at that, I can feel good about any compensation I can generate for my family and I. I am still considering becoming a catechist and so I could use some more guidance and insight as to whether or not this is right for me. Please help me to continue to explore this new possibility for my life. As always, I ask Your blessings on my family and freinds, in gratitude for them all, Your Blessings on our troops and their families, the suffering fellow humans out there and specifically for my wife and my two sponsees.

peace be with you all...

3 comments:

Scott W said...

I can feel the blessings that gentleman brought to your group. Incredible experiences.

lushgurl said...

That new comer story is amazing! It's things like that, that keep me grateful for all of the blessings in my life! Thanks for sharing it!
love and HUGS

Pammie said...

Oh I could feel what you were feeling. It's inspiring...to hear the new guy isn't it?