It’s Monday, and for many of us that means a return to the working world.

Work isn’t the most shiny, glittery part of life to give thanks for. If you’re unemployed and looking for work during these hard economic times, it’s hard to give thanks for something you don’t have. If you’re employed and don’t love your job, it’s easy to let unhappiness and cynicism have its sway.

Perhaps because work is so difficult for so many, that’s just why we ought to stop and notice the bright spots in it.

When it comes to work …

I’m thankful for work that utilizes my skills and talents, as well as my mind.
I’m thankful for the relationships I’ve built through the work I do.
I’m thankful for the chance to work on the editorial staff of a magazine I’ve been reading for the better part of a decade and is fun and current and smart and thoughtful.
I’m thankful for professional relationships built in the last 10+ years that keep my editorial freelance career moving forward and provide a variety of interesting projects and books to edit.
I’m thankful for my life’s work, which allows me to write regularly and connect with people all over the world in the journeys of their lives with God.
I’m thankful for a schedule that’s flexible to allow for all the different kinds of work I do.
I’m thankful for work that pays the bills.
I’m thankful for work that doesn’t pay at all.
I’m thankful for the chance to feel alive with contribution and meaning through the work I do.

When it comes to work, how do you give thanks?