There are not too many things that fill you up with the spirit more than AA sponsorship.  Doing Gods will is really very good for the self esteem if your willing to do the work.  Of course the flip side of the coin is when someone goes back out again.  If you let it, it can get to you.  Its just like life, you want to do your best and sometimes things don't work out.  I try and stay on the bright side and look at the fact that it helped me to stay sober, by working with other alcoholics.  It took me alot of attempts before I finally got it or it was given to me, however you choose to look at it.  I relapsed about 6 or 7 times before I finally got some decent time.  I'm approaching 3 years now but because of my experience I attract some of the most chronic relapsers you'll ever meet; so there is much heartache sometimes that goes with the territory.  But nothing compares to that feeling that god is being channeled through you, and his message of hope.  That's a great feeling and I recommend sponsorship to anyone who has worked the steps.