When Discouraged, Give Thanks by Susan Barclay

Your problem is you still believe in your own life. ~Volkheimer to Werner in 'All the Light We Cannot See' (Anthony Doerr)

This quote pretty much sums up how I've been feeling recently. Discouraged, disappointed and sad that I don't have more time to write, that other obligations demand so much of me, that my life is not, in fact, my own. I understand that there are seasons and that you can't control everything that comes your way, but still. I'd rather be writing. Amen?

I'm reminded that we're to give thanks in all things. So I give thanks that even though I'm not able to write as much as I'd like, there are things that I'm able to do. I can:

• write a little bit. I even submitted a couple of pieces this week, which was maybe more than I could have hoped for.
• work.
• be there for my family: my husband, who has a lot on his plate; my daughter, away at school but within reach; my son, as he makes important decisions about his future; my mom, who is living with us right now.
• participate in my monthly book club and enjoy books that show me what great writing looks like (and what not-so-great writing looks like, too!)
• attend my monthly writers' group meetings, even when I don't have anything to share. I can help others move forward with their own work.
• enjoy the weekly fellowship of my church small group.

I'm also thankful for all the things I have:

• the love and prayers of family and friends, both those near and those far away.
• my dog's unconditional love. Sometimes even fur-family can be like Jesus with skin on (and I hope it's not sacrilegious to believe so!)
• shelter
• food
• income
• health
• clothing
• transportation

God wants us to be thankful even when life isn't going the way we'd hoped or planned. The best way to be thankful is to look around (as I have done here), then make a list and refer to it often as a way of remembering all the blessings. As Kristin Armstrong says,

When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.

When we experience the fullness of love, God's love, does anything else really matter?
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Please also enjoy my website at www.susanbarclay.wordrpess.com