A Bowl of Chips

"...and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." 2 Timothy 1:15-2:13

In the reading for today from 2 Timothy, Paul speaks from prison in chains to his beloved Timothy encouraging him to hold fast to the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul is feeling abandoned and very concerned that the Gospel message might not be carried on.

I have learned that in Alcoholics Anonymous the witness of faithful people teaches others in a miraculous way...so much so that getting a chip for sobriety is more exciting than getting $100. On the table where the AA folk are gathered sits a bowl full of chips, and at the end of each meeting the convener asks who has achieved what goal...a day, a week, 10 days or a year of sobriety and everything in between earns you a chip.

As I witness this teaching and encouraging, I marvel most of all at the role God plays in recovery through AA..."a power greater than me exists separate and apart from myself...and faith serves as the pathway to the center of my life," says today's AA reflection.

Maybe what I marvel at the most is how successful the program is and the Holy Love that feeds it.