Teganjaz Books Presents... Author, Tracy L. Darity

I have a Facebook friend who posts the same question everyday. “What 5 things are you grateful for?” I’ll be honest and admit that I have never posted a comment. Why, I do not know because I am grateful for a lot of things, like good health, family and friends. The other day I received my Streaming Faith Devotional. These are religious based devotionals that go out everyday and focus on a weekly topic. Of course, this week’s topic is “Giving Thanks.” The devotional that inspired this blog came from Dr. David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church.

 In his devotional “The Moment of Thanks” he encourages the reader to not only give thanks for the obvious things we are grateful for but to also give thanks for the things we take for granted in life.

There are so many things that we complain about on a daily basis but if we were to take a second, or perhaps, third look at the things that transpire within our lives everyday, we’d find a lot more than 5 things to be grateful for. I will call this my “although” list.

• Lord, although being a single mother has been hard at times; I am grateful that my children who are 16, 23, and 25, are alive and in great health, to-date have never been arrested or fell prey to drugs and alcohol abuse.

• Lord, although you called my father home last month; I am grateful to still have a beautiful mother who I love and cherish.

• Lord, although I haven’t made it to the bestseller list (yet); I am grateful for those who have taken a chance on an unknown author and purchased my book.

• Lord, although genetics have dealt me high blood pressure and now high cholesterol; I am grateful I am able to afford the medication to keep both in check.

• Lord, although I was laid-off two weeks ago; I am grateful for the time off to finish my second book, spend more time at the gym, accomplish all the things I have neglected due to work, like my rose garden, and to simply rest my mind.

Last but definitely not least,

• Lord, although I thought this was a thought provoking topic to write about; I am grateful I struggled to come up with things in my life that I complain about, or I’m not happy with.

Despite the losses, the disappointments, the setbacks, and the disruptions I may face day-to-day, I am so grateful because there are so many people in this world who will never be a parent, never know their parents or be loved by them, do not have adequate healthcare, lack skills or the mentality to have a job, but I have been blessed with them all.

This Thanksgiving I challenge you to make your own “although” list and you’ll see just how much you have to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tracy

Tracy Darity is the author of "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! and the upcoming release "Love...Like Snow In Florida On A Hot Summer Day."