Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. 
It is customary to speak of thankfulness on this holiday, and I thought it an appropriate time to discuss the part that thankfulness plays in a leader's life.
Leaders deal in complexity, and to a large extent, they are asked to carry an unfair load. Leaders are often trapped in an organizational structure below the authority of individuals who are not as capable of leading. Leaders are also the ones with the steepest hills to climb under the most adverse conditions. Leaders, it goes without saying, are also the ones out front, catching the most flack and dealing with the most resistance.
Even so, leaders should be among the most thankful of people. Why? Because as Orrin Woodward once said, "I am just thankful God has seen fit to use me for something!" And that's the true spirit of thankfulness a leader should always have. No matter how tough the climb, we should be glad for the mountain! The Bible tells us to rejoice during our challenges!
So is your leadership journey a challenge to you right now? Does your walk feel mostly up hill? Are you plowing your way through obstacles? Rejoice, my friends, and be glad God has seen fit to challenge you!
I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving, and may you and your families be blessed!
