Today, as I sit down to write this blog post on Thanksgiving, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful for the unique and heartwarming day I’ve had with my wife’s extended family. Usually, our Thanksgiving gatherings are small, with just my wife’s parents and sometimes her sister in attendance. However, this year was different. We spent the day with my wife’s grandmother, aunt, and uncle, and it turned out to be a day filled with valuable lessons and warm memories.
Learning from Family
I’ve always cherished opportunities like this, as they allow me to connect with my wife’s relatives on a deeper level. In particular, spending time with her father and uncle, both of whom I deeply respect, has been enlightening. Today, my wife’s uncle asked me about my investment strategy and shared his own. His wisdom and success have always left me in awe.
A Remarkable Investment Journey
My wife’s uncle is a person I consider highly successful, with a life that many would envy. He possesses a wealth of skills, especially in the realm of self-sufficiency, and his generosity knows no bounds. What struck me today was his revelation about his career and investment strategy. Despite not having an exceptionally high salary throughout his career, he steadily invested since the late 60s in plans that remove the guesswork from stock-picking – like investment plans or mutual funds. Over time, his investments began to yield significant returns. It was a valuable reminder that consistent, long-term investing can pay off in the end. As this is also the plan I follow, though I’m still in the earlier phases, I’m grateful to have learned that this paid off from someone I admire.
Lessons in Sacrifice and Kindness
My wife’s father, while offering fewer explicit pieces of advice, provides a profound lesson through his way of life and how he treats people. His daily sacrifices, such as working as a mail carrier for a long career, have made an enormous impact. This Thanksgiving dinner, hosted in his home, would not have been possible without his dedication. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the quiet, everyday sacrifices we make can have far-reaching effects on the lives of others.
As I spent the day with him, I heard stories of the people he’s met, his countless friends, and even some new Dad jokes he picked up. His open and friendly nature is striking, and it’s evident that everyone in town knows him. He makes an effort to connect with people and offer kind words, and in return, life seems to effortlessly fall into place for him. His demeanor reminds me of Del in “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” and it serves as a powerful example of how being friendly and open can yield countless rewards.
Iron Sharpens Iron
Reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned today, I can’t help but think of the saying “Iron sharpens iron.” This phrase, found in Proverbs 27:17, reminds us that as iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another. While I may be physically distant from my own father and uncle this Thanksgiving, I’m profoundly grateful for the father and uncle figures in my wife’s family who serve as role models in my middle age and beyond. They are two very different men, each with a wealth of wisdom to share.
Witnessing Wisdom in Action
In a world filled with self-help books and skill improvement exercises, there’s something uniquely powerful about witnessing wisdom in action through the lives of these men. They remind me that the best way to learn is not always through words on a page, but by observing how someone lives and interacts with the world. Their actions and choices have a lasting impact, sharpening me as I navigate my own journey.
Conclusion
As I conclude this Thanksgiving reflection, I’m reminded of the immense value that family gatherings can bring. They offer not only moments of joy and connection but also opportunities to learn from those who have walked different paths in life. I’m grateful for the lessons, the love, and the laughter shared on this special day, and I carry these experiences with me as I continue my own journey of growth and self-improvement. Iron sharpens iron, and for that, I am deeply thankful.
