Being thankful

By Jeff Becraft

Self-pity is pitiful.

And yet I allow myself to go down this trail more often than I would like to admit.

Last night, I had to stay at work longer than I wanted. Things weren’t going according to plan… my plan… and were taking longer than I anticipated. It was a project I had to get done that night.

And there I go… down the yellow brick road. Woe is me.

There I am… in my air conditioned office, with a computer that actually worked, drinking clean water out of an insulated cup that someone had given me at a camp, looking through eyes that actually work, through glasses that enable me to see clearly, trying to finish up so I can get in a air conditioned car, and I don’t even have to turn the air conditioner on because it is a beautiful 72 degrees out and I can roll the power windows down at a touch of a button, to drive home to a house that I like, to a wife that I love, and be greeted by two dogs who think it’s the greatest thing in the world that I just walked through the door.

My wife (whom I love) has already made dinner for me and kept it on the stove.  (Brenda is a phenomenal cook… it’s like eating in a great restaurant every day.)

I sit down and eat. I am refreshed… and I am thankful.

How easy it is to lose perspective.

It is a cliché but it is true — gratitude is the quickest way to change our attitude.

It is a great day to be thankful today!

Jeff Becraft is the Executive Director for Youth Corps and has dedicated much of his life to helping shift the vision of people’s lives.  Youth Corps is a life-changing leadership development experience that inspires high school students to be leaders in the Midlands and beyond. You can connect with Jeff at [email protected].