Coach’s Thanksgiving Thoughts

Cooler mornings, shorter days, and the initial burning smell of the first time the heater comes on for the fall lets me know what time of the year it is. Last year’s jackets and sweaters come out from behind the summer clothes, and we inspect them to see if they are still fitting the same as last year. The first time that you must go warm up the car since last winter is the quickest some of us run all year to get back in the warmth of the house. It is a shorter day but, it is what life is all about.

Thanksgiving is here and to many it seems like we were just putting up last year’s Christmas decorations. My Dad told me years ago, “Son the older you get the faster time slips away”. Never has that been truer since I turned forty years old over a decade ago. I love hearing the girls in my house start talking about the holiday season. Who wants what and the ever long list of presents that now in the last decade comes to you in a text. I made my first pecan pie for the wife’s “Friendsgiving” this last week for her office party. I love the smells and traditions of this time of year.

As I think of what I am thankful for personally, there are many. But, it has me thinking collectively as Americans, what we should be thankful for. There are so many that I believe that are forgetting the blessing it is to be living in this time and place in history, in the greatest country in the world. There have been many decades, even centuries, that human beings suffered so much. Not so much today.

Not many are hungry. Not many are without shelter. Not many want for anything that is considered a necessity of life in the 21 stcentury in this country. Yes, there are homeless people, and some people go hungry from time to time, but not many are going to starve to death in this country. There are many people and organizations that will help people in need. We are all lucky and spoiled to be living in this time in the history of mankind.

Christmas is just a few weeks away. Yes, we will overspend and even buy things we don’t need. But do not forget the blessings you have living in this great country, even when the media and unhappy people try to make you think it is a terrible place. Tone them out. Buy someone, a stranger, a coffee, or a lunch just because. Spread good cheer and love others just because they are your neighbors. It is a choice to complain or to praise. Choose praise and love this holiday season.

The Coach loves you like a fat kid loves cake. Have a sense of humor. Laugh at a dirty or even offensive joke. Send funny text to your kids. Send a text of gratitude to a family member you normally don’t. Remind your spouse, and even sometimes yourself, why you fell in love with them in the first place. Help the homeless or drop off a meal to a nursing home. Do something not for yourself this holiday season. Inspire others by your giving to do the same. Leave a legacy of praise and service.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Coach John Brent

Originally published at https://shop.thecoachandthevet.com on December 2, 2021.