5 Things Writers Can be Thankful For Today

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

When Abraham Lincoln declared a day of thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, 1863, he instituted one of the most beloved American traditions. But a holiday to express our thanks didn’t begin with President Lincoln. It began, as does everything wonderful, with God. Early in the nation of Israel’s history, God instituted seven feasts or celebrations. In Leviticus 23:2, God calls them “feasts of the LORD” and “My feasts.”

God commands us, as a people, to give thanks. This is why I thought it would be appropriate, on this Thanksgiving weekend, to pause, writer-to-writer, and ponder a few of the many things we have to be thankful for.

A Writer's Gratitude List

1. Laptops 

As much as my laptop vexes me when it shuts off for no reason, locks me out, or hides documents in folders I didn’t know existed, I’m still very grateful for it. Remember when a 40-lb. desktop was our only option? (And yes, I was very grateful for that, too, because it replaced my electric typewriter.) But oh, the convenience of being able to take my computer with me and work on airplanes, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet spot in the woods. No longer am I chained to my desks when the wild wild world beckons. Thank you, Lord.

2. Bible Software

Remember the days when you had to look up a verse in Strong’s Concordance, cross reference it in your King James version of the Bible, and type it, word by word, into your manuscript? Thankfully, those days are gone (except during power outages). Today if we need a verse about forgiveness, we can type the word into the handy dandy search box and every occurrence of the word will pop up. With one fell swoop, we can cut and paste the perfect verse into our document without missing a jot or tittle. Thank you, Jesus.

3. Search Engines

Until recently, if writers needed to research a topic like What did indigenous people in Southeast Asia eat in the 1800’s, good luck. We were limited to the books available in our local library, or, if we were especially savvy, through interlibrary loan. Now, with a few keystrokes, we can learn not only what indigenous people in Southeast Asia ate, we can discover where they lived and what their favorite flavor of toothpaste was. We’re no longer limited to writing about our personal areas of expertise or what we’ve learned by interviewing an expert. We can access data bases from all over the world (even Southeast Asia) and learn everything we need about whatever topic we’d like to write about. Thank you, Father.

4. Critique Partners and Groups

My beloved critique partner (shout out to the amazing Jean Wilund) has helped polish my writing more than any other writer’s “tool.” She and my two critique groups (thumbs up to Lexington Word Weavers and Page 33) offer invaluable feedback, perspective, and suggestions. They provide more than just technical advice, though. They cheer me on when I’m discouraged, share their writing connections, and pray for me. Thank you, God.

5. The Opportunity to Do What We Love

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with gratitude that I get to do what I love. I suspect you feel the same. God called us to Himself, gifted us with the desire to write, and then gave us an audience who can benefit from our words. Sometimes God uses our writing to reach thousands. Sometimes He intends it for the young mother sitting in the pew next to us or the grieving neighbor on the next block. Regardless, writing in His name is an honor and a privilege. May we never take it for granted. Thank you, dear God.

Now it’s your turn. What are you thankful for in this crazy, wonderful writers’ world? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.

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5 Things Writers Can be Thankful For Today from author @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, writing instructor, women’s ministry speaker, and career dental hygienist. She writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. Lori’s upcoming devotional, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart, will release on January 3, but is available now for preorder. Connect with her at www.LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter (@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God).