Operation Gratitude Attitude

It's that turkey time of year again, and Thursday I'll be doing my patriotic duty of gaining the requisite 5 pounds. But is that what Thanksgiving is really all about?

I think not.

So this week on Writer Off the Leash, we'll be practicing an attitude of gratitude. What are you thankful for? Wait. Before you answer that, think again. I'm not talking the usual thankful for dark chocolate or good java (though I am). Go a level deeper than that. You don't have to share this out loud, so be honest.

Believe it or not, I am thankful for the dark nights in my soul. The wicked ugly times that force me to my knees. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I enjoy those times. Far from it. But I am grateful that God is so gracious, He allows uncomfortable, even wounding things in my life so that I'm driven to Him.

Take a minute to reflect today on one of your black moments. Can you find anything in it that you're thankful for? If not, ask God to show You. One thing I know is that He's faithful to answer.