Philip Yancey’s friend who is a recovering alcoholic once told him:

"When I'm late to church, people turn around and stare at me with frowns of disapproval.

I get the clear message that l'm not as responsible as they are.

When I'm late to AA, the meeting comes to a halt and everyone jumps up to hug and welcome me.

They realize that my lateness may be a sign that I almost didn't make it.

When I show up, it proves that my desperate need for them won out over my desperate need for alcohol."