Three Thought Thursday

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Dear Reader,

You're catching me in a season of gratitude

Specifically, gratitude for community.

This past week, our family buried my Papa (grandfather). You can read about it here.

In the wake of his death, in preparation for his funeral and burial, and the days following these events, I have felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude for community.

Community—that's the theme of this Three Thought Thursday.

It All Starts With Family

I cannot begin to tell you the importance and luckiness I have felt having the family that I do. A family without drama that offers stability is easily the most important asset you may ever have in your life. It certainly is for me. If you already have a stable family, you've been set up well to succeed. But if you don't, it could become your most essential North Star. A goal to build a stable family of your own. I saw this in full force with my family this weekend. The patriarch of the family passed away, and it could have easily caused a less stable family to descend into chaos. But the support, love, hugs, affirmations, tears, and laughs shared among a stable and strong family boosted and supported each individual more than anything else could have.

A stable family is the most essential asset.

The Best Friendship Hack

If there is one thing Christian colleges get right, it's relationships…especially friendships. I'm very aware of the statistics and trends among men in their 20s: increased loneliness, a lesser ability to name a single person as a friend, increased rates of suicide, and decreased rates of finding a romantic partner. I feel incredibly blessed to say that I will not be one of those statistics because of my ability to attend a Christian college and for a created space that fostered friendships that I was able to grow with, especially among other men. I had countless friends check in on me multiple times in the weeks since my grandfather's passing. Friends called me, texted me consistently, and one even spent two hours late one night talking to me while I was driving. That's rare. In my reflection on what made those friendships meaningful, worthwhile, and deep was faith. We had a shared faith, which easily allowed for shared common values, and love for one another.

Faith is the ultimate friendship elixir.

Colleagues Can Be Kind Of Fun Too

There’s a peculiar thing that occurs with co-workers. There are certain boundaries that must be in place so that you can do what is best for your career and in the interest of the company. But especially among peers and co-workers of the same age, becoming friends with co-workers can be one of life’s greatest joys. It’s like being part of a fraternity or sorority as an adult, but without all the hazing and degenerate activity and with all the shared experiences. Healthy friendships and communities of co-workers can greatly enhance both the work you do and the life you live. They can cross-pollinate each other.

Communities of good co-workers greatly enhance work and life.

My hope is that you, too, can find, foster, and flower relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Grateful for you,

Tommy

P.S. Can you do me a favor if you learned something new in this edition? Forward this letter to a friend who may not know about one of these three stories. You’re the best.