How many times have we heard that, the opening line from chapter 5 of the big book? It's read at nearly every meeting. But have you ever stopped to think about exactly what it means?
When it speaks of following our path, it doesn't mean follow your own path! Yet, how many of us have done exactly that (followed our own path, sometimes to destruction)? I admit, I did it; and I also paid some penalties for it. Luckily I didn't drink, but I sure didn't change much either.

We AAs of today are very fortunate as many thousands of "recovered" alcoholics over the past 60 years, have cleared the path for us. And that path, my friends, is laid out in te first 164 pages of the big book. Especially in chapter 5. If you're looking for the path in any other book, chances are you're going the wrong way.

Several years ago I was at a meeting where a woman who had been attending meetings for several years had the courage to ask, "what is the program?" I was shocked!! All those years of attending meetings on a regular basis, and she had absolutely no idea what the "program" was. And I had thought it was common knowledge. There was a lesson learned for me that day. Hopefully we old timers are teaching the newcomers what the program is, or we are not doing our job, which is to be of maximum service to others. I am happy to report that not long after that fateful day, this woman started reading the big book and attending step meetings, and has since learned what the "program" is.

I am firmly convinced that A.A.'s twelve steps are the path to recovery. As one AA speaker puts it, "if you don't work and live the steps, you're not in the program; you're in the fellowship." So true. There's a big difference between the fellowship and the program. The fellowship is fine and good, and may even keep you dry; but the program will make you "happy, joyous and free."

Some of you will notice that I used the word "recovered" in the third paragraph, and will beg to differ with me, preferring the word "recovering." I would like to point out that the big book specifically uses the word "recovered" on page xiii, the "Foreword to First Edition." Quote: "We of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book." Many of you, more well read on the big book than I could also point out several pages where it uses the word "recovering" and "recovery" as well. But all that simply means is until you have worked all twelve of the suggested steps, and followed up on a daily basis with steps 10, 11 and 12, you are merely recovering; not recovered.

Of course, I recognize the fact that while I may be recovered; I am as likely to relapse as the man or woman who is still recovering. The big book also reminds me that what I have is a "daily reprieve"; and that this is "contigent upon the maintainence" of my spiritual condition.

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