I don't say it enough. Thanks!

I’m thankful for…

You. I see you. You matter. God has a plan for your life. A plan for your work. Plans to give you a hope and a future.

Your interest in us. Chances are if you’re reading this you’ve thought about working at World Vision. It’s a cluttered employment landscape outside of my window. Thanks for breaking through it and giving thought to joining our team at World Vision.

Our connection made. We may not be colleagues yet, but we’re no longer strangers passing like ships in the night on the ocean blue. The world feels smaller in a good way.

Your application. Putting me on notice that you’re interested in working here. You took the time to write it down. You put yourself out there and made it known. You made it personal.

Your interview. You have an amazing story to tell. It’s uniquely your own. Keep writing and telling it. He may not have been the first to say it, but I heard Donald Miller say, and I’m likely doing a poor paraphrase here, fate is a terrible author of our destinies (truer words have rarely been spoken). Let’s not let the ghostwriter of fate hijack our stories. Let’s write them ourselves. There’s too much at stake.

I said no. The graceful way you accept all the no’s I deal out. Can I share a secret with you? My deck is stacked with them every time. It doesn’t matter how many times I shuffle it. So many no cards and only one yes.

You said no. An invitation doesn’t always result in an rsvp. Some offers are best left on the table and walked away from. You heard a different calling for your career in this next season. And as no’s go (starting to sound Dr. Seussical here), if I’m giving them out, I sure better be able to accept them. And somewhere you’re giving that last comment an enthusiastic amen.

You said yes. The job was offered, and you took the leap and joined World Vision for such a time as this. Together we’re doing some amazing work! Smile.

Your support of our work. Many of you became inspired to work for us by believing in what we do and giving generously to the work. I’m humbled and grateful for that sacred trust. We simply couldn’t do what we do without having you in our corner. Don’t go anywhere. There’s more work to do.

Your willingness to accept imperfection. Let’s be honest, finding new work can be messy at times. It’s not always on par with the experience of pouring your morning cup of coffee and taking that first sip. It's a lot of hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait. If there’s one thing that nobody ever told this writer, it’s “you’re perfect”. That was some other guy’s gig (and destiny). I’m thankful for him. If my cup of joe was grace it would be overflowing.

Your hope and resilience in a season unlike any other. You’re not giving up nor giving in. Together, we’re standing our ground and we’re going find our way to a brighter tomorrow.

Psalm 90:17 and some change. I’m praying this over all of us. We need this good word. 

Thank you. I see you. You matter. God has a plan for your life. A plan for your work. Plans to give you a hope and a future.

All the best to you this Thanksgiving holiday.