There’s So Much to Be Thankful for This Year

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on what we are most grateful for not only in the past year, but in our everyday lives.

For me, it’s family. My wife and I really have enjoyed watching our three nephews grow over the years, and getting together for a huge holiday meal gives us all a great chance to catch up. One is an Eagle Scout, one is close to earning his Eagle Award, and the third may catch the Scouting bug. My brother is a great dad and he and his wife have done a wonderful job of raising these three to be amazing athletes, scholars and young gentlemen.

So even though I will be away hiking and spending some time with my Scouting family out west this Thanksgiving, my family at home will be in my thoughts as I celebrate how fortunate I am to be part of their lives.

I am also thankful for all the support I have received since assuming the responsibilities as Chief Scout Executive. I have enjoyed building many new relationships and rekindling old ones. I am very grateful for all that Scouting has given me during my career and the many opportunities for adventures we have been able to offer to America’s young people for more than a century. I am truly inspired for the future. Scouting is catching fire across America, and I am thankful for the position our organization is in as we wrap up 2015 and head into a new year of service.

Beyond family and Scouting, I have been reflecting a lot lately — as I am sure many of you have — on how thankful I am for our freedom. I am beyond grateful for our men and women in the military who sacrifice so much to protect our nation. They not only keep us safe; their service to our country sets an inspiring example for the young people we mentor. As you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, please say a prayer for these brave individuals, as well as for the people of Paris — and for peace in the world.

I’m interested to hear how your Thanksgiving looks in comparison to mine. What are you most thankful for? And what plans are you looking forward to most? Share your thoughts in the comments below if you have a minute.

And whatever you have planned, I wish you and your family many blessings.

Thank you for reading.

Mike