Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV

When I arrived at rehab, for the second time, gratitude wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. In fact, it was one of the last things I felt. I still remember walking into the first group session and the counselor saying, “Okay, time to start your daily journal with a gratitude list.” I thought, what gratitude? Did they not know we were in rehab?

All I felt was empty, with walls made of shame, fear, and anger. It felt as though my life had unraveled beyond repair, and I was standing at rock bottom. I didn’t know it then, but this place of brokenness would become the soil where gratitude could begin to grow.

I didn’t know it then, but this place of brokenness would become the soil where gratitude could begin to grow (Racquel Lopez quote for Begin Within: A Gratitude Series).

As I adjusted to the routine of recovery, I started to realize the beauty in small things: a warm meal, a safe place to rest, the kindness of someone who’d walked a similar path. These moments were quiet gifts—blessings that I’d once overlooked, now standing out as glimpses of hope. Gratitude didn’t come easily, but in each prayer, I began to ask God to open my eyes to more of these moments.

A Simple Discipline Learned in Rehab

What I learned in those early days is that gratitude is a discipline. It doesn’t always arrive as a feeling but can be a choice, a decision to trust that God is with us, even in the darkest valleys. In rehab, this meant thanking God not only for the good things but also for the process itself, painful as it was. This gratitude became a way to release control, to stop fighting and start trusting.

This lesson in gratitude didn’t end when I left rehab. It’s followed me into every area of my life, especially motherhood. There are days when the demands of being a mom feel overwhelming—when the house is messy, the kids are arguing, and I feel like I’m failing. In those moments, I’m reminded of the simple discipline I learned in rehab: pause, take a breath, and thank God for what is good, even in the chaos. The laughter of my children, a hug at just the right time, or even the quiet at the end of a long day are all reminders of God’s goodness.

Gratitude has become a foundation not just for my recovery, but for my faith and my family. It keeps me anchored when life feels out of control and helps me to see God’s presence in every season—whether I’m navigating motherhood, work, or a personal challenge. Gratitude shifts my perspective from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, reminding me that God’s grace is always enough.

Gratitude has become a foundation not just for my recovery, but for my faith and my family. (Racquel Lopez quote for Begin Within: A Gratitude Series).

Reflection Prompt:

How can gratitude shift your perspective in the middle of a difficult day? Think about a recent challenge in motherhood, work, or life and write down three things you can thank God for in that situation.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to find gratitude in every season, especially in the hard places. Teach me to see Your hand in the smallest details, and remind me that You are with me, even when I can’t see the way forward. May my heart be filled with gratitude that transcends my circumstances. Help me model this gratitude for my children, so they, too, can see Your goodness in all things. Amen.

Journaling Idea:

Write about a challenging moment in your life where you experienced an unexpected blessing or a moment of peace. How did it change your perspective? Looking back, how do you see God’s grace in that situation? Now, consider how that lesson can carry over into your parenting, relationships, or other areas of life.

Meet Racquel Lopez

Meet Begin Within featured writer, Racquel Lopez--Author and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor drawing from her personal recovery journey and professional expertise to inspire busy moms to thrive in faith and grace.

Racquel Lopez is a hope-filled mother of four, passionate writer/creator, and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, 15479. After reclaiming her faith during 16 years of sobriety, she discovered her calling to encourage women to embrace hope, healing, and joy in the midst of life’s challenges. Drawing from her personal recovery journey and professional expertise, Racquel creates devotionals and resources designed to inspire busy moms to thrive in faith and grace.

She is the author of the On the Go Mama Survival Guide: Surviving to Thriving and enjoys coffee dates with friends, kitchen dance parties, and sharing life’s messy, beautiful moments. You can also find her having fun on social media, sharing her heart blogging and watching her New YouTube Recovery Awareness Podcast Series.

Where to find her . . .

Begin Within: A Gratitude Series, hosted by Twyla Franz

Begin Within is a series to inspire a year-round lifestyle of gratitude that will impact not only your own life, but the lives of your neighbors as well. Gratitude is a theme we talk about often around here because it ties so closely into other missional living rhythms. Practicing gratitude reminds to keep our hearts soft and expectant and our eyes open. Therefore, the more we embrace gratitude, the easier it becomes to truly see our neighbors and where we can join what God is already doing in our neighborhoods.

If you would like to contribute to Begin Within, you can find the submission guidelines here.

Here Is the Powerful Lesson Emerging From Rehab