By Kathy Harris
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. — Meister Eckhart
Everywhere we turn this time of year, we’re reminded to be thankful. Whether it’s a warm and fuzzy television commercial, a not-so-gentle nudge delivered from the pulpit, or a magazine article on the Top Ten Tips for Being Thankful, we’re encouraged to seek gratitude.
Instructions on ‘thankfulness’ might look something like this:
• Make a gratitude list. Or, even better, keep a daily gratitude journal.
• Stop. Reflect. Stay mindful of the simple things in life.
• Connect, or reconnect, with others. It’s no coincidence that we seek the company of family and old friends during the holidays. Revisiting our roots, those things that had the earliest influence on our lives, can provide a unique kind of inspiration.
• Give time or money (or both) to those less fortunate. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Send a grocery store gift card anonymously to a neighbor or a fellow church member who recently lost his or her job. Or, if you really want to touch someone’s life, visit one of those most often forgotten at a local nursing home. (Just the thought of that makes you thankful, doesn’t it?)
Search the worldwide web and you’ll find a lot of similar ideas for getting in touch with your inner-thankfulness. But here’s one you probably won’t see on most lists…
Nothing will make you more thankful than going through tough times.
How could that even be possible? It defies logic, doesn’t it? At least by the world’s standards.
But, as Christians, we know that it’s the trials that point us toward God. It’s usually during the difficult times that we keep our eyes most fixed on Him. And it’s by experiencing regeneration — from the death of self and the submission of the outcome to God — that we emerge stronger on the other side. How can you not be grateful when you’ve emerged victorious (even if not completely unscathed) from your trials?
As writers, we also know this is true. It’s conflict that makes our story compelling. It’s conflict that keeps our readers engaged. And it’s character growth through conflict (what we call a character arc) that propels our story from the first page to the last. It’s the “blessing of conflict” that creates a satisfying end.
As Christian writers, our goal isn’t just to entertain. Our goal is also to inspire and encourage. Let your readers see how conflict has improved your character’s life. Just as our real-life witness through trials can encourage those around us, our character’s journey through conflict can encourage our readers.
And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. — Romans 5:4 NLT
Pass along the lesson of gratitude. Even when it comes through the blessing of conflict. After all, as Christians, we have a lot to be thankful for.
Kathy Harris is a member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency. You can follow Kathy on Facebook or Twitter.
Comments 0
I’ve reflected on something similar not so long ago, Kathy. We try to avoid the hard times, for they can hurt to the point of tears. Yet, the hard times refine us and play a role in making us better people–something we can be thankful for in retrospect, even if not during the trials. Bless you!
I agree, Rick. No one chooses them, but they have a way of keeping us focused on the One who can (and will) get us through.
Thank you for the blessing that you are, Kathy!
Thank you, MaryAnn! You’re always an encourager.
This makes me think of the saying, “Give a person a fish, and he eats for a day; teach a person to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.” Your suggestions about helping at a soup kitchen or visiting the elderly at a retirement community require more of our time and allow us the privilege of being a friend rather than just talking about friendship. I love to sing, so I arrived early to the retirement center where our Toastmasters meeting is held (two weeks ago) and sang patriotic songs for some of the residents to honor the veterans. One gentleman thanked me for singing “Oh, Danny Boy”, one of his favorites. Another gentleman thanked me for singing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Several of the residents joined in on “Amazing Grace.” I’m thankful for the voice God has given me to bless others.
Even today, as I had some discouraging news, I give thanks to God. As soon as I received the bad news, I looked at emails and there were two blog posts with encouragement during times of sadness. God truly sends the message we need and I am grateful to Him.
What a special memory, John! I remember singing, with other youth from my church, at a local nursing home when I was a teen. I wasn’t mature enough then to understand what it might have meant to them. I understand much better now. We never know when a song, a smile, or the turn of a phrase will encourage and inspire someone.
God bless you, Melissa. You’re a powerful witness. Thank you for posting!