Before You Slice the Turkey, Read This

Some days I don’t have a lot to say.

Funny, I know.

The truth is, most days I don’t have much to say unless someone asks. I think a lot, but it’s not “in my nature” to spout off about everything all the time. Too easy to get something wrong if it’s not thought through. 😂

Was up late yesterday finishing the layout for Elias Raber’s new book. Wrote the foreword. And as I sat there, it hit me how much I have to be thankful for.

Sixteen years ago, Erma and I were living in a 1920s “used-to-be-one-room” house with single-pane windows, crooked floors, and lath-and-concrete walls…

…that also happened to be a gas station for a while in the ’60s.

But life changed when twin brothers Elias and Matt Raber—and Simon Lee—came into the picture. Their energy, enthusiasm, and vision rubbed off on us and changed the course of our lives.

I’m thankful for that.

If I had never met them, you wouldn’t be getting this email. And I wouldn’t have the chance to serve so many of you.

Recently my chiropractor (broke-my-back-at-15 side effects 🙂) asked about the upcoming Leadership Essentials event. We got to talking about why some people take an interest in learning, growing, and leadership…

…and why some folks just don’t.

He pointed out something simple but profound: yes, you have one of the “Four Natures of Man” (as Elias explains in his new book), but you also have everything you’ve lived through shaping you.

The bullying when you were young, the hardships, the sleepless nights, the events you attended, the people God placed in your path…

It’s like God sprinkled a little bit of this and a little bit of that across your life to make you uniquely you. Am I thankful for that? Are you thankful for that?

Welp—time to go spice and slice the turkey. Six (out of eight) of my siblings and their families, two married children and a grandchild, and Dad are on the way to our house. Deeply grateful for that 🙏

Who are you thankful for? Do they know it?

– Owen “Thankful” Shrock

P.S. The only way to automatically get an autographed copy of the first printing of Elias Raber’s new book is to be at Leadership Essentials in December.

Black Friday is when everybody wants to blow money on gadgets and doodads… but I’d strongly encourage you to pick up a ticket to Leadership Essentials instead.

Personal development is something you may pay for once, but it keeps giving back for the rest of your life. That’s a good deal—Black Friday or not.

UPCOMING: Leadership Essentials Seminar on December 10, 2025… Discover the #1 challenges that MATTER MOST in business, family, and life—and walk away with a clear leadership roadmap. Featuring Elias Raber, Ken Hartley, and others. All the info is at https://smarterroofer.com/bold or text/call 814-720-4890 to snag tickets at the Super Early-Bird cost.