While we should be expressing thankfulness year around, this week is one that is typically set aside for an extra dose of consideration. Most of us, when asked what we are thankful for, will typically respond to people, opportunities, or special things. If we have recently overcome a challenging situation, we may refer to more basic aspects of life.
Rather than use this column to express my thankful list of people, opportunities, and outcomes, I thought I would take a different approach. This approach might just be a challenge for you to do the same thing and deal with some things that you have avoided for years. This challenge might just help you see how God worked or is working in your life through a struggle, a heartbreak, a setback, or a failure.
There is a verse in the New Testament that talks about giving thanks in all circumstances. Now, if you are like me, that’s hard to do. However, it’s sometimes easier to do once you look back from a different perspective.
My parents divorced when I was ten. I remember being lonely, scared, and uncertain. I am thankful that Jesus entered my life and that His presence filled that void. I may have been by myself at times, but I was never again alone. For that I am thankful.
Growing up was a struggle financially. It wasn’t nearly as easy as what others seemed to experience. However, I learned how to work, save, and budget. I saw God time and again provide opportunities for me when I needed them most. I am thankful that God showed me how to just take one step at a time when things weren’t clear. For that I am thankful.
I loved athletics growing up and playing sports. While I needed positive encouragement and a challenging approach, I didn’t always get this coaching. I experienced some negative, demeaning, and confidence-shaking moments that cut to the core. However, it made me tougher and more determined to not let others define my future. For that I am thankful.
My first full-time job after college was at a CPA firm in South Louisiana. There were some real jerks that were in positions of authority. One of these managers would often question my ability and remind me on a regular basis that I wasn’t worthy to work in such a firm. I was not just challenged to prove him wrong, but to aspire to be something in that firm that was severely lacking – a competent, caring leader. I am thankful for that motivation that changed me in many ways. For that I am thankful.
Early on in my second job after college, I was totally humiliated by a senior leader in a meeting. That encounter prompted me to engage in every aspect of that operation over the next few months not only to be prepared for the next meeting, but to better support the 850 workers at the mill. I learned more, faster than I would have if not for that encounter, but most importantly, I learned how to value others. For that I am thankful.
Now, almost 40 years after that first job, I have embarked on something that is filled with uncertainty. I am not sure who next month’s clients will be. The uncertainty can be tough. But I am thankful for all of those that I have been able to connect with, support, and help. I look forward to where that next opportunity will come from and for that I am thankful.
I look back over those experiences and can see a pattern of growth and for that I am thankful. What’s your story? Can you spend some time this holiday season and find those thankful nuggets that shaped who you are today? You might just find that they are hidden in those difficult struggles!
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