by Jeanne Takenaka, @JeanneTakenaka

November has become a month where I focus on gratitude. It’s easy to be thankful for the successes, for the forward progress on the writing journey.

For those who have become represented by an agent? Wahoo! Definitely be thankful. 

For those who have sold their first (or their next) book? That’s awesome! Be thankful.

For those who have made a best-sellers list somewhere? That’s so amazing! Be thankful.

For those who have done none of these, but faced disappointment? Be thankful.

When I opened the calendar to January 2019 I had big goals and dreams. I planned to enter and final in some contests. Finish the book that would get agents’ and editors’ attention. I was going to run toward success on my writing path and make forward progress toward my writing dreams.

What happens when what we expected doesn’t occur? Where do our hearts go? Toward frustration? Maybe. 

Toward bitterness, quite possibly.

What if, in the midst of disappointment, we can choose gratitude?

Tuning our hearts to God’s presence in our days, in our victories and disappointments . . . that’s where gratefulness begins.

When I didn’t final in even one contest I entered I was disappointed. And if I’m honest, I threw myself a little pity party with “woe is me” confetti and all. When some things didn’t go as I’d hoped at a conference? Again, I was disappointed.

What reveals our hearts is how we respond when we face disappointment. I had to work through the emotion, but I came to the place where I could thank the Lord.

When things don’t go as planned, we have the opportunity to learn. We discover our strengths and weaknesses as writers. But more, we learn about the faithfulness of our Father. 

When we choose gratitude for things in our lives—large and small—we shift the focus off ourselves and onto the One who loves us most.

When we focus on God, our hearts become open to learning from Him and receiving more of His love.

God isn’t about us getting published, or selling the next book, or becoming a NYT best-selling author, as amazing as these would be. He may allow this as part of our stories, but that’s not His end-goal for us. 

He’s all about us growing deeper in our relationship with Him.

He’s focused on helping us shine His love brightly in the world where we live. And until we can see His presence in all of it—the joys and the letdowns—we can’t do this. 

When we choose to thank Him in the midst of heartache, it shows in our countenance. And, just maybe, someone watching us will be quietly encouraged because we didn’t give into bitterness but succumbed to His grace. This is the rainbow that colors our world with His vibrant love.

Award-winning aspiring novelist, Jeanne Takenaka, writes contemporary inspirational fiction that tackles real-life issues with a heart to draw women closer to God and those around them. She lives near the mountains in Colorado with her amazing husband and two exuberant boy-men. She loves being God’s girl—always learning about His grace, hanging out with friends and enjoying a great cup of coffee. When she’s not writing you can find her with a camera in her hand, looking for #alittlebitofpretty in her days. You can connect with her on her blog, on Facebook, and on Twitter.