It’s Thanksgiving here in the U.S. tomorrow.
And below is a rather odd list of things I’m thankful for.
Why is it odd?
Because besides the “usual suspects” I’m thankful for — like God, wife, family, dog, friends, business, YOU, etc — there’s also another, “secret”, list of things I’m thankful for, too.
Things that caused me pain, suffering and fear.
Like, for example:
- My many (and humiliating) failures — without them you can never truly have any real successes, can you?
- Being homeless — as it taught me MUCHO humility, patience and, in some ways, ingenuity
- The “naysayers” — especially all the “Amy’s” in life who have tried (and still try) to hold me back
- Fears — which have kept me alert and out of trouble
- The PILE of crushing debt I used to be in — I thank God for being able to climb out of it. And yet, I’m also thankful for the experience, as it taught me more about money than any class, school or book ever could
Does it sound strange to be thankful for things that suck?
Mayhaps it is.
But I believe it’s when everything just kind of goes to hell in a hand basket when we find out who we REALLY are.
When we’re actually tested.
And when we finally GROW.
So that’s why I try to be thankful for it all.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ben Settle
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