It’s that time of the year again. You can find me stuffing my face with Stove Top, watching copious amounts of football, and gobbling leftover turkey sandwiches until Christmas.

My family has the Thanksgiving tradition of going around the table, taking turns sharing what we’re thankful for. I usually pull the “great friends” or “wonderful wife” line. But this year, I’m taking my thankfulness up a notch. And I dare you to join me.

When your turn comes and you finally swallow your mouthful of green bean casserole, try saying, “I’m thankful that I lost my job,” or “I’m thankful that my car broke down,” or “I’m thankful that my boss is a jerk,” or really just “I’m thankful that (insert negative life situation here).”

In the first chapter of James, he drops something pretty heavy: He says:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV)

Although you may have heard this concept before, you’ve probably never heard anyone say that being joyful about trials means you have to give thanks for them. But what better way to truly consider your trials pure joy than to actively thank God for them?

I recognize that this is difficult, so here are some tips that might make thankfulness a little easier.

1. Make a list of bad things that have happened to you in the past six months.
This step might seem a little strange, but it’s important. It’s always easier to think of bad things than good things, so this list shouldn’t be too difficult..

2. Think about how each trial has changed your life.
Some of these changes might have been positive, but just as many could be negative. This isn’t about seeing positive changes right away; it’s just about recognizing that you have been changed by those bad situations.

3. Discover what God wanted to show you through your trial.
No matter what the trial is, God has a purpose. The previous step is important because it helps us analyze the changes that our trials have made in our lives.

If your car broke down and you had to take the bus, was God putting you in that situation because there was someone on the bus who needed your help? God uses every trial and blessing in our lives to shape us and use us. Discovering what God was showing you through your trial can help you see God’s divine plan.

4. Give thanks for the trial.
My friend lost his job right after his wife discovered she was expecting. While he looked for a new job, he was able to finish the basement in his house, which added much needed space for his growing family. Was it hard for him to be unemployed? Yes. Can he be thankful for that trial? Absolutely. God also did a work in him and his family during that time, and he was able to spend more time with his wife during her pregnancy.

Not every trial can be condensed into a neat little package, and ultimately even his trial wasn’t as neat as it seems. Four months without an income is never easy, and his family will take some time to recover from that. But that doesn’t stop him from giving thanks to the one who truly provides.

So this year, while your siblings and cousins throw out cliché answers like, “I’m thankful for a house,” and “I’m thankful for this family,” (both valid), try to give thanks for the tough times that have come your way. After all, James does promise that the person who perseveres under trials will be blessed “because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Jonny Craig is a law student at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He and his wife Kayla blog at http://amightystream.blogspot.com/