'Tis the Season for Thrivent to Share Its Gratitude

In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, it's more important than ever to realize the things we're grateful for in our lives – and how giving back to our communities affirms that awareness.

In this article, you'll read about:

• Finding and expressing gratitude.
• 2020's lessons.
• Thrivent financial professionals giving back.
• Clients showing their gratefulness and generosity.
• One Thrivent family’s teachable moment.

Finding and expressing gratitude

So what does gratitude mean, and how can we express it?

To answer that question, we spoke with Terry Rasmussen, Thrivent's President and CEO, who shared the lessons she learned from the challenges of 2020 and explained how each of us can turn those lessons into meaningful acts of gratitude and generosity.

We also reached out to Natalie Kratzer and Delrol Peters, two of Thrivent's many financial professionals, to learn about how their clients, and their own families, are finding – and sharing – gratitude.

What are some of 2020's lessons?

Recently, Thrivent's President and CEO Terry Rasmussen posed a question that's likely been on many peoples' minds: "With all the disruption of our lives, how can we be thankful?" She suggests:

Don't take the little things for granted

"Sharing a meal with friends. Attending concerts in person. Technology in times of social distancing. Catching a smile from a stranger," Rasmussen said. "It's truly the simple moments that add up to a full life."

Understand the role of money in your life

This up-and-down year has given us a prime opportunity to see how "money is tool, not a goal." It's a way to live a full and purposeful life.

"This year illustrated the importance of taking a deeper look at finances – to know where you are today, where you want to be, and the path needed to get there," Rasmussen said. "With that clarity, you can adjust as needed during tumultuous times."

Let gratitude change your mindset

Rasmussen points to the empowerment of gratitude: "When we take time to be thankful for what and who we have in our lives, we have a grateful mindset to help us handle whatever challenges we're facing now or may encounter down the road."

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"Watching everyone come together to serve those in need during a tough time renewed my gratitude for everything and everyone around me."

– Natalie Kratzer | Thrivent Financial Consultant

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Thrivent financial professionals lead the way

Natalie Kratzer, a Thrivent financial consultant in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, also saw the crisis as a call to positive action.

She and her colleagues kicked off this year's holiday season with an inspiring Thanksgiving food drive.

The community donation event solicited Thanksgiving staples such as turkeys, stuffing and cranberry sauce, and distributed them to many of the community's food insecure households.

"Our team is so grateful to work for a company that empowers us to give back to our communities," Kratzer said. "It was so humbling on so many levels."

"Watching everyone come together to serve those in need during a tough time renewed my gratitude for everything and everyone around me," she added. "It was also meaningful to provide not only nourishment, but also some words of hope and faith."

Clients join the gratitude circle

For Kratzer's practice, the commitment to service and gratitude also takes the form of ongoing community service initiatives.

"Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are a special client niche in our practice," she explained. "And this year more than ever, we appreciate the critical and essential role of health care workers in maintaining our well-being. So we're in the midst of organizing a Thrivent Community scholarship donation drive."

As part of this effort, Kratzer's group is encouraging practicing CRNAs to contribute to the fund to assist nursing students struggling with expenses while they're in school.

"It's so great to see these nurses supporting the up-and-coming classes," Kratzer added. "Especially now, it's such a privilege to express our gratitude for the work they do."

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"Clients are expressing gratitude by forming Thrivent Action Teams as a way of sharing everything they can with those in need. After all, showing up with a warm smile and a helping hand can often be the most profound gift of all."

– Delrol Peters | Thrivent Financial Professional

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Delrol Peters, a Thrivent financial professional based in Brooklyn, New York, has also been touched by his clients' "sharing the generosity in their hearts."

He says that many have gone beyond simply giving financially and are more present in their communities.

"Clients are expressing gratitude by forming Thrivent Action Teams as a way of sharing everything they can with those in need," Peters said. "After all, showing up with a warm smile and a helping hand can often be the most profound gift of all."

One Thrivent family's teachable moment

With all the good deeds that Kratzer's practice has organized, it's hardly a surprise that her own family reflects her commitment to the community.

"Many of our neighbors are having difficulty making ends meet due to job losses and child care challenges,” Kratzer said. "So we've formed Thrivent Action Teams to provide a little extra for those struggling."

"Just recently, we were able to help a single mom who's been living on disability benefits and couldn't afford her medicine, or even gas," Kratzer added. "Then, when my 5-year-old son heard that her little boy might not get a visit from Santa this year, he decided to buy him a gift out of his Christmas savings."

These Thrivent vignettes are a happy reminder to reflect on the things in life that bring you joy – especially when it may feel like there are fewer things to be joyful about.

When you embody a spirit of gratitude and generosity with everyone around you, you're inspiring others to do the same – and that's the best gift of all.

Talk with a Thrivent financial professional near you about the ways your financial strategy can reflect your commitment to living a life filled with gratitude and generosity.