People are one of the most polarizing dichotomies on the Earth. We are frustrating, hateful, and selfish. On the other hand, people bring so many positives. We are caring, compassionate, and loving. The source of so much pain can be found in people, yet the most beautiful and joyful emotions I have ever experienced are because of people. For this reason, I choose to be thankful for people.
If you take a step back and genuinely examine all the amazing things people are doing in your life, it’s easy to overlook the negatives and be genuinely grateful. Here are some of the people I’m most thankful for.
Family
My children carry the likeness of the woman I love. Sure, their disobedience can drive me nuts, but the reflex reaction I have towards them is pride and cuteness. Isn’t it amazing how much joy can be received by the littlest of movements of children? The joy I get from a smile and warm embrace after a long day—it’s awesome!
Marriage is hard. The selfishness between my spouse and I is unnerving, to say the least. But the interactions I have with my wife provide the greatest opportunity for personal growth. She completes me in so many ways. Her serving motivates me to be better.
I am so thankful for my family. They provide me with countless positive experiences and an overwhelming amount of love. For proof of aforementioned cuteness you can check out pictures of my family here: https://www.facebook.com/grantbotma.
Co-workers
A community of people to continually engage with is precious. I’m so thankful for times of uncontrollable belly laughing from an inside joke, or the hilariously inappropriate GIF response in an email thread. And it’s great to have a group of people who know when you’re having a tough day. How they respond with an encouraging, kind word, a pat on the back, a surprise coffee, or a hug—what love!
My community, my team at Stewardship, encourages me and loves me more than they will ever know. They make work fun, and I am thankful to be working toward our mission with them—to genuinely care about people by loving and serving them in their finances.
Customers
You never know what kind of interactions you will get from people you don’t know. Sometimes they can be unbelievably difficult, but most of the time, they are filled with kindness, humility, and grace. When an individual listens to your story and responds with appreciation and understanding, it’s uplifting.
When people hear and experience our mission, receive our love, and trust us enough to share their experience with others, it’s amazing! This pushes me to keep going. I am thankful for our customers and how they allow us to pursue our mission.
I am incredibly thankful for people. Every meaningful moment in my life is because of people. I am grateful to engage with people and am humbled to receive their love. And I’m honored to have the opportunity to respond in kind.
Thank you, family—the family that lives in my home, the family that I work alongside, and the Stewardship family members that I serve through work. I am grateful for you all!
