A Thankful Leader is a Blessing

Dear Rhett,

As I write this note you are one year old and nestled in my lap taking a nap while we make a quick family spring break trip together. Your two crazy brothers are sitting next to us and your amazing dad is sitting across the aisle. I can already tell you will be a leader. You have spark, curiosity and a point of view! I’ll share a lot with you about leadership and paving your way…maybe too much! But the one thing I’d ask you to do everyday is to practice being thankful.

Be thankful for every God-given talent and opportunity you have and seek to understand how you can fulfill each. Be thankful for your girlfriends, and make time to build those friendships for life. Be thankful that there has been so much progress in the name of women, and don’t forget others who need you to fight for them. Be thankful that it is okay if you don’t have everything figured out. I certainly don’t! Don’t hide your fears, your struggles and certainly your wishes - they make you special.

And last but not least, on this International Women’s Day, also be thankful for the men in your life who encourage you and love you unconditionally. Let them be your true partner. Your dad has been that for me in ways I often don’t even realize. Sure, you are snuggled in my lap right now, but he bounced you to sleep. He remembered to bring your stuffed bear, and he knew that your sippy cup was broken and grabbed a new one just as we darted out the door this morning. He didn’t blink an eye when we made big life decisions to help me pursue the career I wanted. He tells me I can do anything, and he believes it. He respects my opinion. But most importantly, he loves me for all of this. So in the end, a thankful life is a blessed life. And a thankful leader leader is a blessing to the world. I know you will be too!

I love you so much.

Mom.