Labor Day, Thanks for the opportunity to work!

Labor Day is more then a day off of work and school, and more then the first day of Fall. Labor Day is a time to be thankful for the opportunity to work. It's an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate those you work with, and those you work for. I was a union rep for the Broncos. I understand that Labor Day came out of the labor movement, but to me it's a time to celebrate work. I'm a solopreneur now as a keynote speaker and my bosses are my clients. My team is me, my wife, occasionally speakers bureaus, and my clients. I appreciate every opportunity I have to work with my clients helping them put on memorable events. 

For the twelve years I played for the Denver Broncos I had more defined bosses, and much larger teams. To be a part of a large, well organized team is an amazing thing. From Broncos owner Pat Bowlen down to the summer intern, everyone in that building understood that the Denver Broncos purpose was to win championships, and to serve our community. It was a powerful vision and each of us had roles. Coaches Dan Reeves, Joe Collier, Merle Moore, and Stan Jones, trainer Steve Antinopolous, and equipment manager Danny Bill never played a down, but were clear and consistant in striving for our stated purpose. Joe Collier saw ability in me that no one else had seen, and changed my role to help our team achive that purpose. His game plans took advantage of the strengths of our team and attacked the weaknesses of our opponents. I'm thankful for the 12 years I spent working shoulder to shoulder with all the players and support staff pursuing the Bronco's purpose.

We spend so much of our adult lives working and so little of that time appreciating the opportunity to work. I retired for a few years after my football career ended and quickly became bored. I'm so thankful that I can work to support my family and support my clients. To me Labor Day is a time to see the big picture and to be thankful for the opportunity to work.