Time on Your Hands?

In discussing hobbies with some cronies recently, it transpired that those who, in one opinion, are the steadiest and most integrated members confessed that they had no time or desire for any hobby other than A.A. We are all aware that A.A. is a way of life or a design for living, but considering it from the viewpoint of being a hobby has presented food for thought. The idea certainly lifts the 12th step out of the duty or obligation category and imbues it with a much-to-be-desired light touch. It enables us to pursue it, not as an unpleasant dose of medicine which is part of our cure, but as one of life's soul-satisfying pleasures. Newcomers, members of new groups, scattered lone members and others may well ask here, "That's fine, but how, when and where?" For those of you who belong to an established group, go to your secretary and tell him (or her) that you want to do some work. You will probably be sent out with an older member at first, but after you know the ropes you will find that you are surrounded with opportunities to work. New members, old members, travelling members and lone members can all go to their ministers, priests, doctors, psychiatrists and tell them about A.A. and what it has done for them. In almost every instance, the physicians and men of the cloth are grateful to hear of our work and will usually pave the way for our first call. If business takes us on the road, we can always make an appointment with the hotel doctor and talk A.A. to him. The hotel doctor often has a "case" in the hotel, right then--maybe it's your next door neighbor!