I greet The Indwelling Listener.
Today’s “Pay Forward” gift is – The Listener. “If you really want to understand me, please hear what I am not saying, what I may never be able to say" (Anonymous). What are those Alcoholics Anonymous members saying who are not coming to meetings? We could ask them, why not, or just invite them to a meeting. Time-out while I reach out to a person, I have not seen in a meeting for some time. They could be going to other meetings. Hold on while I check one out. I must have been inspired, because my timing was perfect, and they needed a ride to the meeting tonight. I have to be on the lookout for one of my major defects; withhold or withdrawing. Taking my life in my own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing; I have no one to blame but me. To avoid the common “drug; guilt and punishment” use, I choose to stay in daily contact with other alcoholics. Who knows I may become a social butterfly. Ok, that may be a bit-of-stretch. One of the most difficult social skills I need to learn is when to say no. If we don’t have to say no once in a while, we are not being asked enough. Another difficult skill to learn is asking of help. Ok, I’m asking you to “Pay Forward” today’s gift to someone you hadn’t seen in a meeting for a while. Thy Love, Thy Will be done.