Today, Be Grateful for Everything

“What if, today, we were grateful for everything?”

Wisdom from the great philosopher Charlie Brown.

As nonprofit professionals, many focusing on fundraising, we know the importance of being genuinely grateful for donors. And we should be genuinely grateful for every relationship and every interaction. Be grateful for every opportunity that we have to build a relationship on behalf of those worthy institutions and inspiring missions that we work tirelessly for.

I challenge us all to be grateful for each relationship and each opportunity. Even when the more immediate results do not develop. After all, we are in the relationship business—right?

And I challenge us to be sincere, or perhaps we are in the wrong profession. I had breakfast with a student leader at a major university. He shared that the institution’s chief development officer would always look to see who was most important in the room. Savvy donors observe things like this. Savvy donors can detect insincerity.

So, today, on Thanksgiving eve, let’s all be sincerely grateful for everything, for every interaction.

And, my wonderful friends and readers, I give you the best advice I can. If you are working today, spend the rest of your day making phone calls and sending emails of thanks reaching out to your top donors, board members and colleagues. There will be no better investment of your time today.

I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving—and know that I am sincerely grateful to you as as reader of Bedrocks and Beacons. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you!