Happy Thanksgiving

I'm grateful for lessons learned this year.

Life lessons usually come on the heels of difficult circumstances and challenging times. This has been a particularly hard year. Navigating rough waters and facing harsh realities can break you or strengthen you. I am choosing this year to be grateful for the lessons. Here are some that come to mind:

Wisdom is rarely found in the loudest voice. Many people scramble for the spotlight, the megaphone and the lectern. The voice that is the loudest and most broadly heard is likely not the voice that carries wisdom. Look for the quiet, contemplative voice and seek their counsel.

Humility is largely observed, not heard. Seldom is a humble person making headlines. You won't see humble people posting about themselves on social media or bragging about themselves in a board meeting. You have to see humility and observe it in action. Check the corners, look for the everyday heroes, watch for those doing the work, not just talking about it.

I am a steward not an owner. Every good gift is from above. Money, time, talent, business -- they are all His. I am called to steward the gifts given, not hold on to them at all cost. Looking at injustices and challenges through this lens changes my perspective and keeps me moving forward in the right direction.

Truth wins. Lies, deceptions and misrepresentations cause distractions, hurts and disruptions, but in the end truth wins. Stand firm and hold on to truth.

People matter. Treasuring people is what I'm called to do. I show God I love Him by loving His people. Jesus never dehumanized people. He always saw people, re-humanized them, showed them their dignity and worth. No matter what excuse, explanation or moral high ground people say they stand on, belittling and diminishing others is diminishing the One in whose image they are created.

As I contemplate the year of 2024 ahead of this day of thanks, I am grateful for those at my table, those who I do life with and those who are working tirelessly to serve. Thanks to those of you in the corner, who tirelessly give to make this world a better place. Happiest of Thanksgivings to you, my friends.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP