Encouragement
“We share comfort and encouragement with others.”
Basic Text, p.95
Many of us have watched as babies take their first steps. The mother holds the child
on its feet. The father kneels nearby with outstretched arms, encouraging the little
one, his face flooded with devotion. The baby takes a few small steps toward its
father. An older brother and sister cheer the tyke on. Baby falls down. Its mother,
murmuring words of comfort, picks the child up and starts over again. This time,
baby stays up until it is close enough to fall into the safety of its father’s arms.
As newcomers, we arrive in the rooms of NA much like this small child. Accustomed
to living a life crippled by addiction, full of fear and uncertainty, we need help to
stand. Just like a child beginning its march toward adulthood, we take our halting
first steps toward recovery. We learn to live this new way of life because others who
have gone before us encourage and comfort us by telling us what worked-and what
didn’t work-for them. Our sponsor is there for us when we need a push in the right
direction.
Many times we feel like we can’t take another step in recovery. Just like a child
learning to walk, we sometimes stumble or fall. But our Higher Power always awaits
us with outstretched arms. And like the child’s brothers and sisters shouting their
encouragement, other NA members, too, support us, as we walk toward a full life in
recovery.
Just for today: I will seek encouragement from others. I will encourage others who
may need my strength.