Thanksgiving SeasonToday is the kickoff of “Thanksgiving Week” in America, so I’ve decided to pull back from writing sales-related drivel in order to devote today’s post to simply being thankful.

It’s certainly not overkill to call a timeout occasionally and take on an “attitude of gratitude,” and for me, the Thanksgiving season is one of those times. So today is not a traditional sales lesson, but rather a few minutes during which I share ten things I am thankful for, from my heart rather than from my big mouth.

I am thankful I came into this world in the USA, although I had no control over where I was born. As angry as I get sometimes at our nation’s leaders and politicians, and as many “warts” as our nation has, I count it a blessing to reside here where I still have the freedom to live my life according to the beliefs and principles I choose to follow.

I am thankful for my parents and grandparents, all now long dead, who loved me enough to steer me in a direction to ensure I became aware that I was here as a result of an eternal creator who not only expects me to live a life of integrity and personal accountability but also loves me in spite of me.

I am thankful for physical health although I’ve undergone a heart attack and prostate cancer during the last few years. I’ve been allowed to survive these serious events, and other than the normal aches and pains 68-year-old men typically have, I continue to be blessed with pretty good health.

I am thankful for my mental health as I have been given a reasonable amount of intelligence and an ability to communicate with people in ways that even amaze me sometimes. Please understand, I take no credit for the abilities I’ve been gifted with but will continue to use them to help others as long as I’m able.

I am thankful for my wife of 40 years for loving me, even when she doesn’t like me. She has been a great partner and companion as well as mother and grandmother. She is able to do something that few women would be willing to do; put up with me and my off-the-wall temperament, helping to balance me and keep my feet on the ground and my head out of my…well you know.

I am thankful for my children, now adults and away from home. (I changed the locks because I heard they could come back and bring more). They are all physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy, for which I take no credit. All four, between the ages of 34 and 44 have earned college degrees and are homeowners, and are all on sound financial footing with little debt other than their homes. All four are quite different from one another, but still, show me love and even act like they are glad to see me when we are together. I again credit this to grace rather than anything, in particular, I have done as their father.

I am thankful for my six grandchildren, Alexandra, Cameron, Cade, Colton, Jackson, and Emery, ranging from age 14 to 4. What a joy they are to be around, and if I had known they were going to be so much fun, I would have skipped the kids and had them first! When I’m with them I take every opportunity to sew into them the same solid values that were passed down to me.

I am thankful for being on a solid financial footing, as over 35 years ago I was exposed to a great financial coach who taught me the principles and building blocks of financial independence. Because of this and an awesome spouse, we are completely debt free today and are able to give freely to causes and organizations we believe in, while having ample funds available for our retirement.

I am thankful for my role as a semi-retired sales training coach and author. I very much enjoy working with salespeople and passing on tips, techniques, and attitudes that I’ve learned over the past 45 years to help improve their performance.

I am thankful for my spiritual life, and for being exposed to those more mature than me who have shown me how to have a real relationship with the Creator, rather than just participating in “religion without reality.” As a result, I have placed my hope in Him and His promises, which are available to all who will trust in Him; and I look forward to spending eternity with Him when my life here is completed.

Riches and glory come from You, You’re ruler over all. You hold strength and power in the palm of Your hand to build up and strengthen all. And here we are, O God, our God, giving thanks to You, praising Your splendid name. 1 Chronicles 29:12-13

How about getting away to a quiet place for a few minutes sometime during this Thanksgiving week and really thinking about the tangible and intangible things you are grateful for. This activity really helps me put things in proper perspective, and I’ll bet it will help you to do the same. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Give Thanks To The Lord

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