What are You Thankful For?

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to take stock and remember the things that make us feel thankful. Yes, it has been a tough year for many, but I take solace in the little things.  

Here are the top 10 things I am thankful for in 2020. Maybe this will inspire you to consider what you are thankful for as well.

1. My family – Those in my household and who live across the globe, whether a blood relative or not. During the time when we were confined to our homes, I found it to be a blessing to be around my wife, daughter, and son without all the worldly noise.
2. My TYGES family who is very special to me – They continued to shine through this year and I am proud to work daily with this group as we strive to live out our mission.
3. People that I have met near and far across the world – In the capacity of a recruiter, I have met some of the greatest people in my life and the funny thing is some of them I have never met in person.
4. The ability to get out of bed in the morning and thank God for the simple things (like getting out of an actual bed).
5. My health – Yes, I am a year older, but I am grateful for the simple things like walking and talking. Not everyone has this luxury.
6. Food and Shelter – I have a roof over my head, food to sustain my family, and I am blessed enough to share with others as it comes about. There was a time when I did not have these things.
7. The freedom to vote for whomever I deem appropriate to lead without judgment – Voting is a privilege I take seriously. I also respect everyone’s right to vote for who they want.
8. The diversity of my friendships near and wide – Not just race and gender but differing political affiliations and in general different schools of thought.
9. The freedom to write this simple blog without being ostracized or ridiculed and in some places arrested.
10. & finally, PURPOSE – I understand why I am here and what I am supposed to be doing. Many people go through life wondering, “why am I here?” and “what is my purpose?” I feel like I know mine.

I recognize that not everyone has all of the items listed above. I can tell you that 30 years ago, I did not have most of these things either. It is a difficult time right now, but my advice is not to let the few bad apples divide the many good ones. Choose to focus on what we have to be thankful for.

Let’s stop looking for what others can do for us and focus on what we can do for others – it’s called sacrifice. Let’s focus on helping those around us in our immediate circles. This does not happen by taking a side or avoiding people but rather intentional actions on our part to engage with others. Even the ones that don’t think like you, look like you, act like you, and even the people that you completely disagree with. Invite them into your homes. Break bread together. Listen to them first before telling your story. 

There’s one phrase that will make you a master listener — “tell me more.” You’ll need to use it over and over again as you interact with all kinds of people throughout your life. You will find that we are more alike than we are different regardless of political affiliations, race, gender, origin, religion, or any other beliefs. Look for common ground and start there instead of starting with the differences.

The answer is not who gets voted into the White House, defunding police, violence, etc. The answer starts with each and every one of us taking the first step to listen and learn about our neighbors especially those different from ourselves. Live like we try to live at TYGES, through our mission – “We’re here to make good things happen for other people.” It’s not just a statement on the wall but rather a way of life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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