AA Thought for the Day
February 4, 2003
Pain
The pains of failure are converted into assets.
Out of them, we receive the stimulation we need
to go forward.
Someone who knew what he was talking about
once remarked that pain
was the touchstone of all spiritual progress.
How heartily we AA's can agree with him,
for we know that the pains of drinking
had to come before sobriety,
and emotional turmoil before serenity.
Reprinted from Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pp. 93-94, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.
Thought to Ponder....
Trying times are not the times to stop trying.
Recovery Related Acronym
G I F T S = Getting It From The Steps.
A Member Shares...
I'm Gonzo, and I am an alcoholic.
This may sound a little crazy to some, but
to others, it might be understood. In my short time in the fellowship of AA,
I heard a fellow say he had become grateful for pain. I thought he was nuts!
In time, as I went through the seemingly bad things I have gone through in
sobriety, I came to understand one hundred per cent what he meant. Pain is
inevitable. Suffering is optional. I have been given gifts in AA to help me
get through those trying times. The kinds of gifts that enable me to reach
out to help others. Like, right thinking. Like, being useful. Like, taking
action. Like, believing that the big book was written for me, and the
ability to have a loving God in my life to change me. I look forward to this
coming year, as I have many plans. I plan to get my business to a higher
level. I want my family to grow with me. I know that the only two choices I
have, are to drink it away and die, or to remain humble and help others to
achieve sobriety. If I continue on the AA beam all will be well. I think I
don't have to tell you the choice I will make. I plan on being here for many
years to come!
- Gonzo
(All shares are reproduced with the kind permission of the person sharing)
To subscribe to Daily Thoughts, email DTMailBox3@aol.com and ask for a subscription.
AAOnline