Alex Haley, author of Roots, had a picture on his office wall of a turtle sitting on a fence post.
He said the picture was there to remind him of an important lesson: If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help getting there.
Haley said, “Every time I’m tempted to think, ‘Aren’t I marvelous? Look at all I’ve accomplished!’ I look at that picture and remember how this turtle — me — got up on that post.”
(By the way, the turtle-on-the-post illustration has been spun countless ways; I like Haley’s the best.)
This is a good time of the year to take the time to say thank you to the ones — and, specifically, the One — who helped you make it to the top of the post.
Obviously, we begin by giving thanks to the Father for all that he has done.
But let’s not forget also to say thanks to those who play a part in bringing his goodness our way.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now… (Philippians 1:3-5)
Is there someone to whom you can say ‘thank you’ today?
