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A late Thanksgiving thought: So much to be thankful for. So, very
much ....

My mother has a family tradition that helps us take a moment on Thanksgiving to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. After dinner, a bowl full of un-popped corn kernels is passed around the table. Everyone takes three kernels. Then, one at a time, we place a kernel in front of us to represent something we are thankful for.

This year three didn’t even come close to cutting it. Beyond the top-flight favorites of family, friends, colleagues, new love, old love and every love in between, there just seemed to be so much more on my mind. There is a new sense of hope that is daring to show itself all around us. It is the excitement of change. Potential presidential candidates are even writing books about it ….

That is exceedingly cool. But, wait, there’s more.

I continue to marvel at my good fortune in finding so many great teachers in my life. I called my extended family of mentors on Thanksgiving day and thanked them. But, I have come to understand over the past few years that I learn an awful lot at this stage in my life from observing the behavior of others (both good and bad). This year, rather oddly, I find myself particularly thankful for the lessons I am being taught by the least admirable figures I have encountered in the last few years. I am so motivated by the desire not to become those people that I manage to maintain perspective in a world that doesn’t have a lot of perspective.

And, for that I am eternally grateful.