Celebrating recovery

There are far too many people in our society who find life difficult to face. Every one of these has a different story to tell: sometimes there are family issues, relationship issues, success vs. failure issues or self-esteem issues.

The journey down this path is an especially dangerous one, since it is often masked by societally accepted norms and behaviors ... until it's too late. The consequence of slipping down this slope is dark and foreboding because it can often spell the difference between success and failure. As one voice called it, 'a journey into death'.

Against this temptation, part of what some have referred to as a Culture of Death, there is still hope. Some of the counsellors who work most closely with victims of alcoholism and dependency were on hand today to celebrate recovery. This was a story of success in the best sense of the word, a moment to say thanks to others in the community who play a part in promoting health and well-being, and helping those who find themselves in dangerous predicaments to rediscover the truth that life is worth living.

It's curious that although we live in a land that has been so richly blessed, and although we have so much already given to us, the human spirit is sometimes not able to comprehend how well off we truly are. Instead, the demons of despair can sometimes take away all hope, and this indeed is the most dangerous place to be.

Today is about recognizing the angels who live in our midst, the ones who give of themselves out of love, so that others can discover or rediscover the truth that life is worth living, that love is worth the risk, that there is always a reason to give thanks, and that those who cannot see these simple realities are the most to be pittied, and the ones who most desperately need our help.

It is right that we should give thanks to those who serve so unselfishly so that others can discover this truth, and it's right that we should laud those who are on the road to recovery, for every recovery begins with one step, but every recovery continues only with lots of hard work, commitment and a re-discovery of the things that are the most valuable in life; often these are the things that are the most attainable, because they're free for the taking.