Here’s something funny. Especially for you students of Charles F. Haanel.
Charles F. Haanel did not write much — if anything — about gratitude and thankfulness.
Sure. That’s all the rage now. But back then? Back in 1912?
You just don’t find a lot of that. At least not like we have now. Sure, it’s there in subtext, but not in the outright-in-your-face kind of way as it is today.
Maybe they were just more naturally grateful for what they had, seeing that they didn’t live with as many conveniences as we have today. And it’s those conveniences that sometimes undercut our sense of being thankful. They really do. When everything is so abundant and accessible, it becomes very easy to think of even what at one time would be a king’s treasure as one’s due.
Very strange indeed.
Not for us, though. We know. We understand.
That’s why we are grateful. Every. Single. Day.
We’re grateful for what we have.
We’re also grateful for what we don’t have. (Because aren’t those the things that impel us to improve and do more and better?)
More importantly — most importantly — we’re grateful for the people we have in our lives.
Our parents.
Our children.
Our siblings.
Our friends.
Our acquaintances.
The people who work for us.
And the people for whom we work.
Even the people we have yet to meet.
Everyone is there for a reason. We may not know the reason (yet), but that doesn’t matter. Because everything is this world is about people.
(And that’s something about which Mr. Haanel wrote. Just thumb through The Master Key System … It’s all there.)
That’s why we celebrate Thanksgiving.
That’s what makes it the most wondrous and joyful holiday. It’s not about presents …
… or buying …
… or anything else ….
… other than a good meal with good people.
It’s about thanks.
Imagine that … An entire holiday built on …
Thanks.
If it didn’t warm the heart so much, it would most assuredly boggle the mind.
And it is mind-boggling. To think of everything we have — from the least to the largest — and to fully realize how exceedingly lucky we are. Lucky just to be alive in this time and this place.
We rolled the cosmic dice and we got stars.
That’s why I’m …
… thankful for being able to do what I do …
… for anything and everything …
… and most importantly …
… for the people.
Family. Friends. Cats. (They’re people, too! Sort of. The cat people will understand. So will the dog people.)
And …
… That’s why I thank you.
Just for being you.
Just for being who you are.
Just for knowing that you are somehow in my life.
Thank you.
The Two Most Powerful Words in the World.
Thank you.
Even more powerful than the Three Most Powerful Words.
Thank you.
Words that should never be left silent and should always be spoken.
Thank you.
May you live to be a hundred!
And in that time between now and then, may we get to know each other better so we may grow wise together.
I wish you and yours a most blessed and fantastic Thanksgiving.
May you have and continue to receive the best of everything!
