Like many of you, my house has begun its fall transformation. Outside, leaves are beginning to fall. Inside, earth-toned decorations fill the space from my front door all the way to the bathroom counter. But like all too many of us, I probably mutter under my breath a curt complaint when I have to move a miniature pumpkin decoration out of the way to open a cabinet or find a ribbon-wrapped horn-of-plenty is plopped atop of my copy of Golf Digest on the coffee table.
Why should I complain? Well, I shouldn’t. I am blessed beyond measure and beyond any semblance of what I deserve. Sometimes my pastor likes to mention that folks in the 1 percent should be thankful for the relative ease in which their life is enjoyed. This is not an attempt to start up class warfare in the pews, however. What he always goes on to explain is that if you aren’t actively worrying about how to feed yourself at your next meal, chances are you’re considered wealthy on a worldwide basis. That’s because more than half of the world’s population lives on less than $2 per day.
That really hit home with me. So I’m writing a list of things for which I am grateful. I hope you will find something meaningful in my list. Even better, consider writing your own. You might be surprised by just how blessed you really are.
- Fall is such a beautiful time in our state, and I try not to ignore the natural splendor that surrounds me every day. I love waterfalls, so I’m grateful to have recently enjoyed a hike to Cummins Falls with my family and some good friends.
- Working for great people makes me excited to get up each day. Work is an important part of our lives and comes in many different flavors. Spending this large part of my life helping your co-op serve the rural and suburban communities of our state makes my work especially rewarding.
- The laughter of my children seems to make all my stress just disappear.
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Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, prays with a group of linemen before they depart to assist with Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts. I’m grateful for leaders who, by their unselfish devotion to those they lead, inspire me to be better. The photo below is just the latest example from my work life. Read more inspiring stories here about how your neighbors helped those in need after Hurricane Matthew.
- I’m even more thankful for the men in the blue shirts in that photo who risk their lives every day just to do their job. Electric linemen don’t get the respect or recognition they deserve.
- Long Ya Chen, welcome to the USA! I can’t wait to be a part of your life. What a difference 7,000 miles has made for you, Ya-Ya.
- We enjoy freedom from fear. The news is filled with disturbing images of war. Yet, in this country, we bear no burden of armed conflict inside our borders. Instead, our neighbors are among our nation’s best friends.
