Endigar 497 ~ Giving Back
From Today’s Daily Reflections;
. . . he has struck something better than gold. . . .He may not see at once that he has barely scratched a limitless lode which will pay dividends only if he mines it for the rest of his life and insists on giving away the entire product. (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 129)
My part of the Seventh Tradition means so much more than just giving money to pay for the coffee. It means being accepted for myself by belonging to a group. For the first time I can be responsible, because I have a choice. I can learn the principles of working out problems in my daily life by getting involved in the “business” of A.A. By being self-supporting, I can give back to A.A. what A.A. gave to me! Giving back to A.A. not only ensures my own sobriety, but allows me to buy insurance that A.A. will be here for my grandchildren.
END OF QUOTE
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In harvesting the spiritual wealth of A.A., I will be tempted by two natural impulses that could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. First, I could believe that I have arrived at the end of my efforts. I have graduated from the program. I can mark milestones in my journey, but should always reset for a further destination. The second impulse is the desire to withdraw and horde what I gain. Once my life has been restored, it is easy to return to isolated self interest. It was in that state of fearful pride that I forged my self-destructive assertions. I must develop a lifetime of connective habits and a sense of intimate responsibility as the primary force of my newfound freedom. The skills I develop in the group can be used in my own life as an individual. I who had once needed help can now become the helper. My own grandchildren might find relief in the rooms I helped to strengthen. If I remain persistently generous to this way of life I will leave a legacy of sobriety that will live beyond my physical existence.
Daily Reprieve 
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