As I look back at 2013, I am reminded of events that took place. Some good. Some…… challenging. But, anyone reading this post would know: no life is free from challenges. Most of us have felt exhilaration, fear, joy, grief, loneliness, contentment, and so much more. However, unlike the picture at the top, not all things that take place in 2013 stay there. Many things will carry over into 2014, even if we prefer to walk away from them. AND… unlike the picture, not all things are to be trashed.
One such event was Thanksgiving, 2013. Several of us in the family got together for this great meal. It had been a few years since we did that. Not only that, it was the first time I had cooked the turkey. Wow. Now that was an experience. By the time everyone had left, and the place was cleaned up, I was ready to sit and relax. I also slept pretty good that night.
OBSERVATIONS
Here are two observations from my Thanksgiving experience. Remember, it had been years since most of us were together for that holiday.
1. Nothing can replace family. You may disagree for different reasons. Maybe you don’t have any family, or your family was/is so dysfunctional it can’t do anything as a unit. After all, Cary Grant once said, ” Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” Guess what? Most families have some dysfunction in them. But is that a reason for me to stay away? No. The Creator of the family knew what He was doing when He made the first family (Adam, Eve, etc.) So, I must trust Him to work in my family.
2. Thankfulness doesn’t come easy. Prior to us enjoying the fruit of my labor, I had asked everyone to say one thing they are thankful for. Honestly, I can’t remember anything anyone said – except for 1 person. Before that, I noticed that everyone sort of froze up. It was like “What, me say something?” Either any transparency is difficult for people, or actually being thankful in a society filled with consumerism is a contradiction in some way. William Bennett once said “Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that thankfulness is indeed a virtue.” So, what did that one person say? My 3-year-old grand-nephew said: “I’m thankful for God.”
So, as a leader, what does this mean? To a positive leader: family should always be important. If not, then a person has no business in leading others. Also, a leader is a role model. That means showing appreciation to others for what they have done, being thankful for what the leader has in life, and on and on I can go.
JANUARY
In this month, January, I will be discussing Christmas, the new year, while adding one or two guests posts. But, until then, I invite you to share your comments about YOUR Thanksgiving experience and if you agree with me about the role of family and thankfulness in being a leader.