For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.

…

Truly, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:35-40

The discussion of Tradition 2 in How Al-Anon Works says “Newcomers are as likely as longtime members to utter words that inspire and inform.” Tradition 12 reminds us to “place principles above personalities.” In Al-Anon, we are equals. We come together to recover from the effects of another's addiction on our lives, our psyches, and our souls. When I place some people on a pedestal, worshiping their every word, and overlook others because I think they have nothing to give me, I only cheat myself. When I let go of my preconceptions, my pre-judging, my prejudices, and my reactions to others' outsides, I free myself to see the beauty and wisdom inherent in each person. In so doing, I give myself a great gift.

My higher power can work through anyone, at any time. When I close myself off from other people, I close myself off from the help that my higher power wants to give me. I know this to be true, because I have lived on both sides of that wall – in silence and isolation, or in community and support. Which do you choose?

A meditation for February 14, 2013.