The holiday season brings people together; whether you are spending time with family to enjoy a holiday meal, out shopping with friends, or working on a community project. Whatever the reason, people use this time of the year to reconnect.

There are so many things each of us take for granted. One of the first things we do each morning is select what we are going to wear that day. For many people it is not so much what am I going to wear, but do I have something to wear? Do I have something to wear that will protect me from the elements, shelter me from the rain or cold, or block the blowing wind?

Our company gives back by participating in a local coat drive to aid a homeless shelter in Dallas, Texas. Every year we collect coats, blankets, socks, hats, and other winter attire that will keep someone warm. Items are collected, sized and sorted for months, all in preparation for this one evening. Each time we go to the shelter, there are so many memorable stories, but I wanted to share this one:

One evening, a very tiny, little lady approached a table that was designated for extra large men.  The volunteer assigned to the table attempted to redirect her, but the lady was insistent. She looked very determined. She knew what she needed and she was not giving up. The volunteer tried to help, and after much coaxing, the lady finally told her what she had in mind: She was looking for a coat for a friend who could not come with her that night because he was outside with all of her belongings. She wasn’t interested in anything for herself, just for him. She said he does so much for me; I just want to do something for him, “he’s proud, you know.” The volunteer held up several coats until they found just the right one. When they settled on one, she let out a big “hallelujah” as to say her job was done. She hugged the volunteer and quickly left the building.

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation. This tiny, little lady was so thankful for the kindness her friend showed her each day; she put her very real needs aside for him. She did it cheerfully, generously, and willingly without any thought.

Isn’t this something we could focus on especially at this time of the year? Expressing gratitude is a rewarding habit that affirms the grace of the giver. Gratitude opens our hearts and encourages us to take a moment to reflect on each gift that crosses our lives.

We are so grateful for this time to reflect on our many blessings of hope and thankfulness.  We are thankful for our association with the outstanding group of men and woman of the Academy and look forward to our continued partnership.

Bryan W. Adams is President & CEO of Premier Planning, LLC and Founder of Legacy Safeguard. Bryan is considered one of the nations’ leading experts on final expense planning, and he frequently speaks throughout the country about the importance of assisting clients to gain peace of mind through advanced funeral funding.

Bryan’s passion for helping families prepare for their final expenses came from being raised in the funeral business. His family still owns and operates several funeral homes, and he is constantly amazed at how unprepared families are when a death occurs. Bryan has worked tirelessly to help Americans plan for the inevitable and lessen the burden on their loved ones.

Academy Guest Blogger
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
6050 Santo Rd., Ste. 240
San Diego, CA 92124
(800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com