A Different Level of Thankful

Each November the public dutifully lists their gratitudes across social media. While I am a huge believer in counting one’s blessings all throughout the year, as I have learned to live and love in the recovery community I have become aware of an entirely different level of thankfulness. For all of you who took Psychology 101 at some point, you may remember a famous pyramid which illustrates the five basics of human need. At the wide foundation it’s developer, Mr. Maslow begins with life’s fundamentals, such as food and water. As we strive higher our needs become loftier, such as beneficial relationships and a meaningful purpose. Many of us have been blessed to spend the majority of our days near the tip of this pyramid with most of our needs, primitive and plush, readily and constantly met.

Although it is uncomfortable and may feel artificial, my challenge during this season of gratitude is to sit at the base of this pyramid with simple and profound thanks. Can I be thankful that I know where my children are and who is caring for them? Is it a reality for me to be able to go to work daily without fear that my ex may be able to track me down? Am I blessed with abundance that not only can I feed my family, but I am also able to enjoy and provide for encouraging and beloved pets? Did I have to choose this week whether to spend our life’s income on food or gasoline, so I could continue to work for future income? It is not the shiny gratitude that may be part of a public media post, but I guarantee that when needs are met on this level, the resulting gratitude is powerful indeed.

One of the things that I have come to love about the recovery community is that it isn’t glossy, but it is so very real. So this season, I hope that we are able to look beyond congratulating ourselves on what pretty lives we have constructed for ourselves. Instead let us give weeping thanks that the struggles of this life have been kept at bay by God’s mighty, gracious hand on some occasions. In the remaining times, which can be overwhelming and devastating, let us thank God that He has already provided the Comforter and the Way so that we know that through His provision, this world and its troubles will not last. All of us, except Jesus, can mightily say, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” Without judgment, but with profound appreciation, may we all give thanks.