What are you particularly thankful for this Thanksgiving? An informal Twitter survey earlier this year revealed these simple words among America’s top 10: “Life,” “Family,” Friends,” “God,” “People,” “Love,” “Today.”
There’s no question we have an enormous amount to be grateful for. But have you ever contemplated what you’re most thankful for as a leader? Here are some of mine. I hope they inspire you toward being a more thankful leader this Thanksgiving season (and this is a great time of year to express gratitude to those we lead).
- I’m thankful that I don’t have to know all the answers.
- I’m thankful for the trust given to me by those I lead (often before it’s earned).
- I’m thankful for the people who show up to the next meeting – even when the last one went long and got off track.
- I’m thankful that I don’t lead alone.
- I’m thankful for teachers, coaches, and mentors who invested immeasurable time in me.
- I’m thankful for small words of encouragement that keep wind in my sails.
- I’m thankful for people who follow me down the occasional rabbit trail without rolling their eyes.
- I’m thankful for the sacred moments when people entrust me with their stories.
- I’m thankful for a wife and kids who believe in me (sometimes more than I believe in myself).
- I’m thankful for days when my energy is equal to the task.
- I’m thankful for nights of sound sleep because others are doing their jobs.
- I’m thankful for grace. I’m more aware of my need than ever before.
Rob Sweet is the Teaching Pastor at Fellowship Franklin, and can be reached at .
