Thanksgiving!

It’s that time of year when we should reflect on our lives and count our many blessings. Even in the midst of the trouble in our economy and, specifically, the housing industry, there is plenty for us to be thankful for. Here is a short list of things I am thankful for. 

Home inspection profession

After 21 years, I still enjoy doing inspections. It is still personally rewarding to help clients learn about their potential home and to play a part in helping them make an informed decision about their purchase. Many people have stated that having their home inspection was “the best money they ever spent!” I can’t think of too many professions where that response would be offered. 

Health

We should never take our health for granted, as good health makes everything else possible. If you are healthy, you have much to be thankful for!

Home

With the struggles in the United States housing industry being in the news on an almost-daily basis, I am thankful to have a roof over my head! Many families in our country are struggling to stay in their homes, and I think many of us take this for granted. If you live in a home and are not affected by the “subprime” mess, you are better off than many. 

Family and friends

Having family and friends to share my joys and troubles with certainly makes my life richer. How lonely it would be if there was nobody to enjoy the good times or no one to commiserate with during the not-so-good times. Family and friends who share our lives and experiences really enhance our existence in so many ways. Be appreciative of your family and friends and tell them about it!

Faith

Believing in something beyond ourselves can help us remain humble and down to earth, as well as encourage us to strive for living an enriched life. Faith can have many different looks. One can have faith in God, faith in the inherent goodness of people (the common good), even faith in ourselves. Faith can provide encouragement to do great things, trust or have compassion for others, or strive to make life better for yourself or those around you. What do you have faith in?

Freedom

The freedom that we share in this great country (Canada, too!) is something we all should be thankful for. It is easy to assume our rights without remembering the sacrifices of so many in the past who have fought for our continued freedom.  While we all get tired of the hype and noise surrounding our elections and voting process, we should stop and look at other countries and see how little freedom there is in the world. Freedom also means that we have the right to complain about things that make us unhappy or angry. Vote!

ASHI

I am thankful for my affiliation with ASHI. Belonging to a strong membership association has provided me with a widely accepted standard of professional practice and an unwavering adherence to high ethical standards. I am gratified that ASHI recognizes an obligation, as the leader and moral compass of the profession, to have a presence in Washington, D.C., working with lawmakers and bureaucrats to keep home inspection as a consumer protection issue in the forefront of all housing initiatives. I have developed many friendships at the national and chapter levels, and I am blessed by the many inspectors who I can learn from or share experiences with.

I have no doubt that each of you can create a longer and more detailed list, and I encourage you to take a few minutes this Thanksgiving season and do so. You may be surprised at how many things will be on your list and how good it will make you feel.