It certainly does. It is Holy Week at the church where my home group meets. It’s the only time in the year that we are closed. For the past five or six years now, I’ve shown up to post a notice on the door and stick around for those addicts who may not have heard about the closure (and those who forgot!).

There was a “record” fifteen addicts who appeared whilst I waited. Last year had the most with twelve. I wonder what next year will bring? Anyway, “lucky” thirteen stayed with me and said we could go for coffee. She said that she forgot about the closure, but needed a meeting tonite. After an hour in the chilly wind, so did I. Not to mention getting into a nice warm car was a treat!

We went to a local coffee house near my place. Sat and chatted about recovery and service and the importance of sharing our story with others. Afterward, she drove me home. When we got there, she said that it was good we talked because she really did need a meeting this night. I reminded her that it only takes two addicts sitting down together, talking about recovery, to make a meeting.

And I thanked her for giving me a meeting, because I was in dire need of one. I say that because I think that I monopolized most of the talk time in that coffee shop. It certainly did help to take the chill out of my bones and settle the small feeling of angst I was having. I don’t know why it bothers me to have so many “members” of my group show up and say, “Oh yeah, I forgot that it was closed. And you saying that you’d be standing out here to remind us”. I also worry about the newcomer (and there was a couple of them tonite) who might show up & leave thinking that maybe NA ain’t the thing for them.

I cannot be or hold myself responsible for them and the world, too. I have to take care of my recovery, be there when I can, and leave the rest in my god’s power. So, my meeting tonite was perfectly timed and infinitely worth it. I did my service twice over. I stood watch over my meeting place & directed addicts to one of the other two meetings going on elsewhere in the city. And I got a meeting in myself!

A meeting helps. Tonite proved that, and it was as good as being at my home group because my meeting had two members of that group in attendance. I love how recovery works in my life! It works, as long as I work it!!

Keep The Faith*