I offer a few thankful thoughts to ponder as we approach the beginning of the holiday season.
First, and closest to my heart, I want to tell you about my dear little Australian Shepherd puppy, Frankie. My little pet, whom I’ve written about so many times, was diagnosed with dysautonomia, a rare disease found in dogs in southwest Missouri and eastern Kansas, a few weeks ago. It was a heart-wrenching process, trying to nurse and pray the little pup back to health. In the end, this rare, un-researched and wretched disease won. Believing as I do, I still know that just because it wasn’t fit for her to be saved, doesn’t mean He wasn’t able, or didn’t care to answer the prayers of my heart.
Therein is my first point of thanksgiving. I am thankful that I was raised to have faith, and keep faith even when life doesn’t go how I would like.
Secondly, and, if possible, much more lightheartedly, I recently had the privilege of attending the Missouri State Agriculture Banquet. The president of Missouri State, Dr. Michael Nietzel, was there, too. “Agriculture,” he said, “Is Missouri’s business.” That quote really struck a chord with me. I laud any encouragement for youth to stay involved in the business of Missouri – agriculture. My second point of thanks, therefore, is for everyone who supports youth in agriculture in Missouri. Make no mistake of it, contributing to the youth of our region is contributing to your future.
Thirdly, with the holidays comes opportunities for the meeting of family and food. This season I encourage you to take the time to teach your children or grandchildren lessons in the kitchen. We have so much to be thankful for with the American food system, much of which begins with you, the producer. Let’s celebrate our privilege, but not take it for granted either. In the spirit of holiday meals, please, send me your recipes for our Country Christmas Cookbook. I want it to be a great volume of all our readers’ finest family favorites.
Thanks lastly, to you, the reader, for your time and consideration as we work hard to put out a good newspaper with your interests at its focus.
God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving,
