Since this is the September issue of the Messenger, that must mean the convention is just around the corner.  How time flies when you’re having fun!  The pace is really picking up for all committee members, with last minute plans coming together and everyone making sure all loose ends are tied up.  It’s a lot of work, but everyone is doing their part with a spirit of cheerful unity that makes me proud to be part of this fellowship.

Just for my own education, I have been doing an informal survey, asking people in meetings I attend, “What is your favorite part of the convention?”  The fellowship and great speakers are often mentioned, of course, as is the wonderful food the Elks dish out for us.  The barbeque and the banquet are virtually tied in that department.  It’s hard to compete with the chicken and tri-tip they serve on Friday night, but many people say they especially like getting all dressed up for the banquet (which also offers a very tasty selection, by the way).  They like socializing over dinner in an elegant setting, hearing a powerful message from the Saturday night speaker, then going to the dance afterwards.  So many choices, and so much fun, it’s hard to pick just one thing.

But more than anything else, people say the sobriety countdown during the Sunday morning “Spiritual Meeting” is the best part for them.  There are probably seven or eight hundred people at the meeting that morning, and there is something special about the energy in the room as we, as a group, recognize and applaud our sobriety. Starting with the long-timers having forty or fifty years or more, we count down the years, then months, then days.  This is not a ranking.  No one individual is more important than anyone else by virtue of his or her time sober.  Rather, this is an appreciation of what sobriety means to all of us.  It is, after all, a crucial part of our lives, of our primary purpose.

That being said, the energy does seem to ramp up even higher as we begin counting months and then days.  For me, part of what I’m feeling during that part of the countdown comes from remembering what early sobriety was like – the fear, the uncertainty, not knowing how it could be possible for me to live without alcohol.  The other part of what I feel, though, is hope for all those beginning their journey.  I feel hope because I know from my own experience what a wonderful path is presented to each of us, and I know where that path has brought me today.  And as each person stands up with twenty days, or twelve, or five, or one, I, along with everyone in the room, join in the hope that that person will find what we have found.  I feel that every time – the hope and the love – and it never fails to move me.  By the time the newest newcomer makes their shaky way to the front of the room, I always have tears in my eyes.  Caring and sharing, that’s what I’ve found in AA.  What a wonderful thing we have!

So join us, please, for everything your convention has to offer, including the countdown.  Do you have to register if you only want to attend the Sunday morning meeting?  Not really.  No guards will be at the door checking.  But we’d appreciate it if you would.  It’s how we pay for the facilities, for bringing all the speakers in, for the entire weekend.  And it’s the right thing to do.

For the best deal, register now, ahead of time.  It saves you money, and assures your seat at events that may sell out.  There are forms available at most meetings, as well as at Central Office, or you can register on-line right now! No matter what, though, keep the weekend of October 24, 25 and 26 open.  We’ll see you there!