Give What You Can

[majestyjo]

One of the biggest mistakes we can make in life is to focus on what we don't have or have lost and fail to take an inventory of what we do have. When Jesus desired to feed five thousand men—plus women and children—the disciples said all they had was a little boy's lunch, which consisted of five small loaves of bread and two fish. They assured Him it was not enough for a crowd the size they had. However, Jesus took the lunch and multiplied it. He fed thousands of men, women, and children and had twelve baskets of leftovers (see Matthew 14:15-21).

Like this, in early recovery I felt guilty about not always being able to put money in the 7th Tradition. I was told it wasn't about the money, that time and service were just as precious as the almighty $. I was told, those that have, give what they can. Someone will put in a $ for you.

Tradition Seven: Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

This applied to my church, to my AA and Al-Anon groups, and to my home life.

A friend wouldn't share on my sites because she couldn't do what I could do. I said, "You have great words to share, it doesn't matter what form they take, it is about the giving and sharing with others." I volunteered at detox, in treatment centers, in an internet cafe, my web pages before the server closed, and shared my story with others at meetings and here.

She did things I couldn't do like going into soup kitchens, walks for Aids and Domestic Violence, and into the jail for NA, which was how we met.

We all have special gifts, some we do better than others, but isn't about better than any one else. It is about trying to give the best of what we have., how every big or small it may be.

[caressa222]

Don't stay home because you don't have money to put in the 7th Tradition. Share your experience, strength and hope at the discussion part of the meeting. Go on the door and be a greeter. Volunteer to do one of the readings if asked. Help set chairs up and put them away. So many things you can do. If you don't have $2.00 a quarter will do. Buy a roll of them on pay day. Set aside some for the 7th Tradition if you go to a lot of meetings.