Thankful

For those of us in the United States, the hectic march towards the holiday season begins this week. Thanksgiving was and still is one of my favorite times of the year. It is the one holiday stretch that packs more punch than any other throughout the year. It comes on us quickly and leaves when the shopping bell tolls.

Unfortunately the tolling of the shopping bell now runs concurrently with our sacred day historically reserved for giving thanks. That does not stop me though and it shouldn’t stop anyone else.

I still enjoy friends and family packing into town the Wednesday night before the big day.  Whether your thing is to head out and catch up, gather with family at home, take care of someone who does not have friends or family to visit, or simply relax in knowing you will eat more than you can hold on Thursday, being thankful you can do these things is enough.

There are many out there who would trade spots with most of us in an instance, far more than I can elaborate on in this blog.

This past week, one of my close family members was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it reminded me how short life really is and how fast time goes. It also reminded me how fortunate I am to be able to do what I do in the time given to me. More importantly it reminded me to be thankful for the things I take for granted.

So this Wednesday, I will get with family and friends and on Thursday I will celebrate by relaxing and watching football while others hit the shopping trail. I will see my parents who I am thankful are still here. I will hug my wife and kids who are now grown and give thanks they have put up with my antics all these years. I will call a few of those I simply can’t get to and I will say a prayer for those I know need it.

I am especially thankful for the service women and men who keep us free – thank you!

Hopefully each of you will take the opportunity this week to give thanks to what has impacted you over time. Hopefully you will impact others by simply being present or letting someone know you are thinking about them. This what we call leading with impact.

Happy Thanksgiving!