GETTING INVOLVED
There is action and more action. "Faith without works is dead." . . . To be helpful is our only aim.
— ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 88-89I understand that service is a vital part of recovery but I often wonder, "What can I do?" Simply start with what I have today! I look around to see where there is a need. Are the ashtrays full? Do I have hands and feet to empty them? Suddenly I'm involved! The best speaker may make the worst coffee; the member who's best with newcomers may be unable to read; the one willing to clean up may make a mess of the bank account—yet every one of these people and jobs is essential to an active group. The miracle of service is this: when I use what I have, I find there is more available to me than I realized before.
Well, I was looking for volunteer opportunities and they were simultaneously looking for me. My mentor and friend has asked that I fill in as facilitator for his Discipleship course for a couple of weeks while he is on a mission trip in Asia. I went through all 27 weeks of this course 3 years ago and now I'm in a place to lead others through this journey.
The same thing is happening at my AA home group. I've chaired quite a few meetings, and have signed up to run the coffee counter. Its lowly and unseen - exactly the type of service I need to engage in.
Good job signing up for some service work brother! This service will help tie you into the group more as people will now rely on you for coffee and supplies.
ReplyDeleteI'm also happy to hear about you getting more involved in ministry at your church. I would caution you
, though, that although service work with the church is great, it is also important to continue to attend AA meetings. I am quite active in my church too, bit I still try to make my regular meetings. I need both my religion and the program to keep myself spiritually fit.
I hope that you have identified character defects for step 6. We are about to go deeper into the program my friend. Soon, you will know a new freedom and a new happiness!
I'm with you in this blessed journey my friend.