Last night I sat in the middle isle of the main floor of the United Church of Canada with 27 recovering alcoholics all wise members of Alcoholics Anonymous! A blessed sight in my minds eye as I reflect over the experience which shall remain a miracle of gatherings since we had not done so in two years due to the interruptions of Covid-19’s outbreak in April of 2020.

As I reflect this morning I am reminded it’s exactly 43 days from the yearly celebrations of the birth if baby Jesus in the Christian traditions the world over.This Friday night November 12 we sat in a church between the pews as a group, due to the efforts of one of our brothers  who I sat here with just a year ago at his family members funeral,who died an early death as a chronic alcoholic. Now here we all sat to celebrate life and our Sobriety.

I thought of all our members who passed on sobera d in the riches of Gods grace in quiet contentments and moments of wonder at the miracle of another day Free from the horrors of addiction.I felt that Grace last night and I knew all is well.

We sat in a group huddled in our coats and sweaters hoods and scarfs.Like something out of the movie story Scrooge!It was cold no heat in the church almost close to no room at the Inn story.

It was the first time in 35 years since I first joined the AA organization we sat in the main level perpendicular to the Alter, in a Holy sanctuary. We were given sanctuary to pray and discuss the 24 spiritual principles we aim and understanding to live by.Spiritual progress not perfection with the help of each other.

For me it was a deliverance from the fear of Covid 19 for nothing is so precious as my Recovery in Sobriety and my relationship with the God of my understanding.

Tonight our topic was free will something I knew very little of at one time.Many of us never knew the beauty of Freewill due to wars in alcoholic homes as we grew up or religious wars as we grew up,or pomp and circumstances as we grew up.Always trying to please those we loved, but not ever quite making the grade. We did not know how toxic our little minds were or how our emotions ran amuck our choices.

Then we saw through the looking glass! We were creating our own problem.There was no one to impress.There was no competition. There is only belief or disbelief. We entered the path of demystifying into the gentle truth on a daily plan.

The church is only a block away from where I live, so later on at home I reflected as to my going to that church to practise. Spirituality means kindness for me.I have never met kinder folk that Hindu Indian.I have become very fond of Sunday singing and playing the tambourine..The Hindu temple I’ve been going to now for 20 years is across town and winter is coming.I’m age 70.

I did not see any instruments in this church last night.Our temple is walkways warm.When I went to the washroom after the service I had to walk down then up 30 steps, our temple has an elevator!  Thankgod for Divine intelligence! I’ll stay where I am at.Plus we eat a lunch after every service and I did not see a kitchen in that church last night.I did however feel the flow of Grace of Gods Unconditional Love from one to the other of us as we applied Gods greatest gift to us the Power of Freewill in Contented Sobriety.

God Bless you all.

Kathleen