September 10
What We Came For
There may be several good causes represented around an A.A. coffee pot. Someone needs volunteers, somebody knows of a worthwhile fundraiser, and another member has ideas about improving the neighborhood. These concerns belong to people we care about. Keeping the meeting centered on recovery can feel ungenerous when the needs outside it are so real. We would like to help with everything.
The person arriving for a first meeting may have barely enough courage to ask about drinking. A clear purpose gives that person somewhere to begin, without having to sort through our other commitments. We can care about the wider world and still preserve this particular place for this particular need. The group has something precious to offer that other organizations may not have. Giving it our attention is already a substantial contribution to the world.
Who benefits when we keep our purpose clear?
Someone may have come looking for exactly what we have.
For the A.A. nerds: Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition Five.