September is Recovery Month. This month is promoted by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) as a time to remember that treatment works and people do recover.  Research tells us that 80% of people in treatment are better off than
those who are not in treatment.  SAMHSA defines “Recovery” as:  A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.   This is a unique path for each  person.  We know that relationships are critical to recovery: relationship with a therapist, relationships with family, and relationships with friends. 
As we make these connections we find strength and hope and offer the same to others.  There are many heroic stories of recovery to be celebrated and these often serve to motivate us in our own recovery.  All of us have hurts, habits and hang-ups; some have mental illness; and some have addictions; but, all of us can involve ourselves in recovery by continually striving to bring new meaning and satisfaction into our lives daily.  One of the best ways to begin is to find ways to serve others.  It is interesting how that tends to bless us even more than the ones served.

Andy Roddick is former No. 1 professional tennis player who retired recently after his 2012 participation in the US Open.  Depending on the perspective, his career can be perceived to be lacking in that he only won one Grand Slam tournament in his career – the 2003 US Open at the age of 21.  On the other hand, how many people in professional tennis ever make it to No. 1?  The percentages are  poor.  Not everyone can be the top ranked in their particular area in life and when they do reach that level, they may not stay there long.  Roddick was No. 1 from the end of 2003 to beginning of 2004 – a relative brief time, but the point is that he was still wildly successful. He is only 30 years old and has many opportunities to continue to be
successful, including the good his foundation is doing to help children in need with quality education.

Often we have a tendency to compare ourselves to others and put ourselves down:
“Look at the books he/she has written.”
“Wow! Everything he/she touches just turns to gold.”
“They have such a fine car or house.”
“She just got a huge promotion.”

Our standard is not other people.  God created all of us as unique human beings with gifts and attributes as He chose. It is up to us to use those, in cooperation with Him, to serve and honor the one who gave.  Colossians 3:23-24  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

You are the only “you”.  You are unique.  Be the best “you” you can be.  No one else can do what we were created to do, if they are doing what they were created to do!  So, keep your head up, refrain from comparing yourself to others and look for ways you can serve and honor the Lord with the gifts He has given you.