The thought of 'staying sober' leads me to think that 'I' am doing something, maybe making a choice each day (or think that I am making a choice).
I was told that God could remove the problems that stand in the way of him, myself and others. That is what is attractive, it is so much more than just not drinking - not drinking was miserable. And when alcohol didn't work any more what was I suppose to do???
When I was approached by AA's from the angle of 'The primary purpose is to stay sober', I would not keep coming back. Sobriety was not an attractive alternative. I come back because of the miracle, most of which I see in other people. I see AA as much more than just not drinking no matter what these days...I don't know when or how that changed but it did.
I have to buy in that sobriety is the by product of an experience that is soo much more.
Anyhoo...nice post Jim.
~A