I think I found the perfect time to write this post about what I am thankful for. I just returned from producing the first “Rotary in the Valley” podcast with the host Bill Randall and first guest David Behring. Upon my return I’ve been at my computer going through Emails cleaning up my inbox. I came across a newsletter from a prior guest of my podcast Trust in Education.

This image reminded me how fortunate I am:

Yes, that young man lives on the streets and fends for himself in Kabul, Afghanistan. No doubt he lives a life that we cannot possibly fathom from where I am writing this and you are reading it right now. My house is warm and comfortable, I am sitting at a desk with a glass of clean water that came from one of many faucets, sitting in a chair that probably costs what it would take to pay for this young man to be fed and educated for at least a couple of years. I do not feel guilty for what I have but I do feel incredibly lucky to have what I have and also fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to do a little part to help people like this young man struggling to carry clothing and a bucket of rice that will help him survive.

What am I most thankful for on this day?

Of course I am most thankful for my son, wife and family. Beyond that I am most thankful to recognize how important it is to act and do things to help others. I’ve also been fortunate to have met a number of dedicated people striving to make a difference. Here are some of them, thank you all for everything you do: