“And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.”

1 Chronicles 29:13

Thanksgiving here at Water Street has been filled with good food and great fellowship. Our community once again came together to celebrate and to give thanks. Even so, Thanksgiving can be a painful holiday for many in our community. Some face a time of transition and others major life upheaval. But even in the wake of these challenges, many of our guests are giving thanks for what they have; expressing gratitude despite their trials.

No matter where you are, we hope you can take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for this holiday weekend. As our guests reflected, here are 18 things they are thankful for this Thanksgiving:

Life. “I’m grateful that God woke me up this morning to see a new day.”

Friends. There are so many women here who are going through similar difficulties, they really help me get through.

Food. “A blessing to our bodies.”

Family. Grateful that my children are in a safe place.

Learning. Classes that teach me about life recovery and “help me see everything differently.”

Community. Staff and other guests who come alongside me, “talking with me instead of at me.”

Love. Meeting my best friend and my fiancé here at Water Street.

Jesus. “If it wasn’t for Jesus, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Health. I’ve overcome a brain aneurism. I’m glad to still be here and still have control over my body.

Shelter. “I’m just happy to be out of the cold today.”

Faith. My faith that God will heal and restore me gives me hope!

Honesty. Hearing people who have the courage to speak truth and ask real questions each day.

Staff. “I’m grateful for Pastor Booth, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Generosity. “I’m thankful to all the people who give to Water Street.”

Unity. For finding people who understand my struggles. “We are on this path together.”

Miracles. “Seeing miracles here at Water Street every day.”

Wounded Healers. Being in the midst of wounded healers who have overcome their own obstacles and now help restore others. “I would not be where I am in my process without them.”

Sobriety. Grateful to be living a clean life.