January 30
After the Wonderful Meeting
A meeting can leave us deeply moved. Somebody speaks honestly, and something we have heard for years suddenly reaches us. We drive home grateful for a new understanding. Then someone interrupts our account of it to ask about a practical matter, and we snap. The contrast is embarrassing. We were trying to explain how much more loving we feel.
The embarrassment may contain useful information. A spiritual experience can open us to a different life without instantly making every habit agree with it. We still have the chance to notice our tone, admit the impatience, and attend to the person who actually needs an answer. The insight need not be dismissed as false. It needs somewhere to live. Bill's account of awakening moves into inventory, restitution, and helping others. Our own welcome understanding may begin taking shape through a very ordinary correction in the next conversation.
Where might an understanding I value become visible in my conduct?
The person listening to me is part of the opportunity.
For the A.A. nerds: Alcoholics Anonymous, “Bill's Story,” pp. 13–15.