If you read blogs and take notice of the articles written by various authors, you may see a certain trend. If the article is from a lawyer, it may likely pertain to estate planning, wills, POAs, etc. If it is from a heating and cooling company, you may notice they might talk about the timely nature to have your furnace checked this time of year. And if you read our informational, you may see the trend to prepare yourself and seek advice around the areas of financial planning and retirement. This would be a normal pattern when people provide advice to their professional practices. I will break pattern this month.
In the month of November, we are reminded of a time of Thanksgiving. To be thankful for the gifts that the good Lord has provided us. Because it has been a tumultuous last these last few years, it may be difficult to recognize what those gifts are. I will jump into my time machine to reminisce of these gifts.
As a kid, there was a pledge that was recited at the start of every 4-H meeting I was involved in. It went like this: I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living; for my club, my community, my country, and my world. Now, why is a financial advisor breaking trend to speak of the past times in 4-H. As, an adult, husband, and father, I shake hands and look into the eyes of many people every day. Our office uses our gifts in the effort of clearer thinking, greater loyalty, larger service, and better living. We practice the efforts of giving more than you get and you will be rewarded ten-fold. This “pledge” whether it be morally or ethically sound, is why you may do business with many companies.
In a season of Thanksgiving, we should take inventory of all of the gifts to be thankful for. For me, this list could extend many pages. I am thankful for good health, and for the good health of my family and those around me. I am thankful for knowledgeable and hardworking staff that, though my life can seem chaotic at times, they help to bring serenity to my workday. I am thankful for the knowledge and opportunity to serve our clients as we do. And lastly, but certainly not least, I am thankful for those that have sacrificed and unselfishly continue to serve our country to acquire and retain the freedoms that we enjoy every day.
Ceremonially, I end my message this month with a request. Take stock in your personal thank list. Maybe it is your mechanic who simply went the extra mile, or the friend that volunteered to feed your cats while you are out of town. This season of Thanksgiving belongs to giving more than you get back.
Blessings,
Dan