Have you ever heard someone refer to themselves as “self-made?” It’s an interesting choice of words and often makes people think more highly of that person, when in actuality, it’s quite a pompous assertion.

Think about it. The majority of those reading this today were born in America. Did you have any part in that decision? Did you write the Constitution that guarantees you freedom to live and work where you choose? Did you have anything to do with our nation’s abundant natural resources?

Or, regardless of where you were born, what about that person who helped you along the way: a relative, a teacher, a coach, a friend, or a mentor? You’ve heard it said that “no man is an island,” and that is an absolute truth. The fact is, no one can really call himself or herself, self-made. We are all indebted to someone.

I urge you to take a few moments to say thanks to someone who has encouraged you along the way through a phone call, a note, or a visit. And when you do, don’t forget to thank your Creator, who loves us enough to let us make decisions on our own, and to put people of wisdom in our paths to help us along the way. Most of all, thank Him for making a way for us all to spend eternity with Him.