Recently, we sent an email to some friends in the ag industry asking one simple question, “What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?” Following are their heartfelt responses. Enjoy reading them, be blessed, and then ask yourself …“What am I most thankful for?”
Terry – Thankful that all of our kids have accepted Jesus as their Savior.
Haley – I’m most thankful for the time I had with my Stepdad. He instilled my love for agriculture at the very ripe age of four. He taught me to care for calves who lost their mom, for chickens I would show in 4-H, and for the land we were fortunate enough to farm. We lost him suddenly this May and not a day goes by I don’t think of him and the path he paved for me. Agriculture and its professionals are the best kind of community, with the proof shown from neighbors planting and harvesting our crops.
Marrice – To know the God of the universe and to know he is in control, we are not.
Chad – I’m thankful for 2020. I’ve been blessed to have more time with my wife, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. I have increased my capacity to coach and mentor the next generation of leaders that report to me. I have a new perspective on priorities and what is really important. My eyes have been opened to what really motivates those around me, the fears they have and ways I can come alongside them and encourage them and witness to them. I am definitely more appreciative of the freedoms we have and realize how much I have taken for granted.
I appreciate the introspective insight I have gained with regards to where I really want to be and that while I often express to others the value of time as our most precious commodity, I often relate it to loved ones and have missed a critical aspect: work. Considering the amount of time we all spend at work, we need to ensure we are truly passionate about it in order for us to have careers and not just a job. If you’re not there, make sure whatever you do is a step towards that.
Last and most importantly, I have prayed more this year which has opened my eyes to a lot and helped me to re-focus, seeing things from new perspectives and appreciating the bad knowing it works for His good. I’m thankful for 2020, the year of the “Silver Lining”.
Scott – I am most thankful for the opportunity and blessing to serve others every day.
Michael – I am thankful for God’s provision, for the blessing of a family and roots in our community, and for hope and stability in times that seem unstable.
Jeff #1 – God’s amazing love, everything else is icing on the cake of life.
Dick – I am most happy about the career I chose and my family. At my stage in life, they have become very important to me and I am really THANKFUL FOR BOTH!
Jeff #2 – The two things popping in my head right now are being thankful that I have avoided contracting Covid while trying to maintain a normal life, and second, for people willing to give someone a second chance.
Chelsey – The thing I am most thankful for is my family. They have shaped me into who I am today. When I say family, I just don’t mean my immediate family. This includes close friends who have been there also. Family doesn’t always mean blood, and I believe that’s true. The close people in my life have been there for the countless harvests to help where needed. They’ve been there when anything has happened. Family has made me who I am today, and for that I am most thankful.