"Reminding ourselves that we have decided to go to any lengths to find a spiritual experience, we ask that we be given strength and direction to do the right thing, no matter what the personal consequences may be." (pg 79)
I think I've already fufilled the 'one step further' just by going to my first meeting this past Monday evening... . I'm taking this Friday off to visit a of couple more meetings. For the past eleven years of heavy solo drinking I have prayed to my HP to please wave the magic wand and heal this affliction. Now I realize that fellowship is one experience I need to embrace. I have a feeling I'll be taking many steps further.
Hi CK
When I got to AA my first sponsor Bryan said to me. John if I had a magic wand that would take away all your troubles and pain I would not use it on you. I would deprieve you of your right to know God.
Work hard at developing that personal relationship with God. Each step we take is worth it.
One step further... Let's see, that means (to me) surrender. Being willing to go to any lengths in order to stay sober. Realizing that no matter how long I stay sober, I will ALWAYS need to be willing to take that extra step in order to stay sober odaat. I can not afford to close my big book and say, "okay, i've done the steps, stayed sober x amount of years, so now I'm cured" doesn't work that way.
I've found that my any lengths has grown the longer I stay in the rooms. When I first got here my any lengths started off with a prayer just thanking GOD each day for keeping me sober that day, then making coffee for the group or giving a ride to someone else who didn't have a car. I stayed alittle longer and I started talking to the new comers about my experience, strength, and hope. Alittle further along I picked up a chair position on the Tuesday Night group and came up with a topic out of either the BB or approved litterature every week. I was asked to sponsor a new comer that came into the room one night, so I went to any length to make sure he was on the right track. So the further I go on drudging the road to happiness the more resonsibility I take on. I'm sure that there is more to come and I'm willing for the ride. As long as I've got my seatbelt on and God is driving I will be right where I need to be at the right time.
