She’s a people person and has a story for every situation. She walks into a room and immediately takes it over. People gather and want to be near her. He’s different. He rarely says two words, but seems to notice everything, a glance, a throw-away look, nothing seems to get past him.
They couldn’t be more different from each other.
I talked with both recently and it hit me what I liked about them. You know how some people are full of swagger and cockiness. These two couldn’t be more gracious and appreciative.
They thanked me for helping them with a work task. I hadn’t done much, something simple that thanks to my background and training took only a few minutes to perform. They both though went out of their routine to stop by and say thank you. It made me happy that I was able to help them and, frankly, made me want to help them again.
I try to be like my two friends. I try to be full of gratitude. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I’m selfish and fail miserably. I keep working on it though.
With Thanksgiving upon us once again, I’ve been thinking about the idea behind the holiday, the Native Americans and Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621 coming together to share their harvest. I’ve been thinking too about my two friends and all the things that I’m thankful for in my life:
–My loving family. I wouldn’t be anything without my wife and kids and extended family. I’m fortunate they keep coming back and I want them to know how lucky I am to have them in my life.
–The basics: a good job that pays the bills; a safe home that protects us from the elements, keeps us cool in the summer, warm in the winter; clean water and a refrigerator full of food; and relatively good health.
–A house full of laughter.
–Good friends.
–My blog and all the different people who’ve I’m met through the blog or who’ve read or tell me that they’ve read my blog. You’ve all contributed to it in one way or another and I appreciate you all.
–Challenges. A very wise friend once said that we should be grateful for life’s annoyances that get our blood boiling with frustration. His comment was that we should be grateful for these challenges, because they remind us how fortunate we really are. In his own little sarcastic way he was trying to say it’s better to be alive than six feet under. I couldn’t have said it better myself if I tried.
Finally I thank God for my many blessings. What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?
Writing from the Heart with Brian 
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