AN AUTHOR’S GIFT OF GRATITUDE

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As leaves fall and autumn turns towards winter, we are reminded to give thanks. To have a heart of gratitude. It’s so easy to complain rather than say thank you. Why is that?

Grumbling comes more naturally to us. Sometimes it even brings a sense of satisfaction. But then, after a while, discontent seeps in. The only way I have found to turn those dark complaining thoughts around is to be grateful. There is always someone who is less fortunate than us. When we bring them to mind, our situation doesn’t seem as hopeless.

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I'm Grateful for Perspective

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Do you have a nagging backache? - There’s a friend dealing with cancer.

Had an argument with your spouse? - Someone you know has just lost their loved one.

Not enough money at the end of this month? - There’s a man wrapped in newspaper sleeping under a viaduct .

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I'm Thankful for Authorship

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This year, and for the last few years, I’ve been thankful for my writing career. Even though at this point I have no income, I find joy in weaving words and expressing my innermost thoughts - mostly to encourage and inspire others. But, at times, for myself as well.

There have been days as I sit at my iPad typing away - I stop - reach towards heaven and say, “I love this life I’m living! To bless others with words is the best gift I can imagine. I can (and do) compare myself with other authors who sell one book after another. They have an agent. A fourth book coming out next year. And a vibrant online presence.

I, on the other hand, have a debut MG Historical novel releasing next Spring with Ambassador International. Am I content? You bet I am! I think God in His wisdom knew it was just what I could handle right now.

In the future, I look forward to a robust email list where I'll reveal my latest adventures. And school visits where I can share my author’s journey and inspire young writers. And possibly someday, I might be interviewed on the radio. Or be asked to teach a workshop at a writer’s conference. That's the future. . .

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But here is what I’m thankful for today:

• ​Hands prone to arthritis still able to type away on an iPad.
• An aging brain still able to pen words that flow and hopefully inspire.
• A Victorian sitting room with a comfy chair where I can write for hours.
• A creative group of authors who inspire me and push me forward.
• A husband who supports me in my writing career.
• Eyes still sharp enough (12 years post-lasik) to clearly see words on a page.
• My mother’s dedication to travel and love of cultures which have rubbed off on me. Travel is my go-to inspiration.
• The ability to figure out technology and social media in order to connect with readers and writers.
• The internet itself, although a necessary evil for an authors, the world comes to me in my comfy chair!
• Most of all, my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who gives me strength, inspiration and direction for the road ahead.

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Gratitude for the Gift of Now

Today is all we have. Be thankful for it. Let’s celebrate little steps towards our goals. Little triumphs in our lives. The little blessings God gives in unexpected places. Let’s be thankful for small mercies . . .

What can you celebrate this Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below!