Gratitude is more than a feeling – for many, it’s a way of life. For those of us blessed to have grown up in the country, surrounded by the changing seasons, trusting in the planted seed and learning the cycle of life, gratitude may come more naturally. It’s woven into the soil, stitched into the seasons and passed through generations like my Grandma Mabel’s flour sack quilt.
I’m grateful first to God, the source of all blessings. Faith is my guiding star – from the lessons I’ve learned to now, the ones I teach. That trust, that hope, is a reflection of His grace. His promises are the anchor, and I trust in the path laid before me. The parables remind us that even the smallest seed can grow into something mighty, and that grace often arrives in the most unexpected ways.
Family is the heart of it all. I’m thankful for the love and lessons from my parents, grandparents and godparents, who taught me the value of hard work and the joy in traditions. “When chores start early and responsibility hits hard.” For my siblings, who shared chores, laughter and the memories that most farm kids understand.
Growing up on a farm was a gift. It taught me responsibility and resilience. Every chore had meaning. Every animal depended on our care. Every sunrise was a chance to do better.
I’m grateful for my husband and how we have built a life starting with love. Together, we’ve raised three sons who have always made us proud, each forging his own path – attending college, launching careers and seeking opportunities that reflect their values. Our family is growing, too – with a wedding next summer, we’re welcoming new beginnings.
I’m grateful for yarn – yes, yarn. It reminds me of quiet times learning to knit and crochet with my grandma, and of the thrill that comes from making something with sticks, yarn and your own two hands. These simple joys are the threads that hold our memories together.
Education shaped my path. I’m thankful for school board members who prioritized public schools, for teachers who saw potential in every student and for leadership opportunities through FFA, 4-H and community service. I learned that leadership isn’t about titles – it’s about showing up, listening well and lifting others.
Living in the country is a blessing I never take for granted. There’s peace in the open skies and starry nights and purpose in the daily work. Farmers markets are more than commerce – they’re community. Holidays are rich with meaning and the kind of togetherness that feels magical.
I’m grateful for my career, which has allowed me to share my thoughts and skills. Whether in agriculture, education or leadership, I bring with me the lessons learned: patience, perseverance and the power of planting seeds – both literally and metaphorically.
Traditions matter. They remind us of who we are and where we come from. From Sunday dinners to fall festivals, from planting gardens to sharing crafts, these rituals root us in something timeless. They connect us to our past and inspire us to continue the legacy.
Now, I pause to say thank you for the blessings that have shaped my journey. To live with purpose, to lead with compassion and to be grateful for the gifts I’ve been given.
As autumn settles in and Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves surrounded by reminders to give thanks – for family, food, the comforts of home. But gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment. It’s a quiet force with the power to transform our health, our happiness and even the length of our lives.
So this season, let’s go beyond the turkey and the mashed potatoes. Let’s cultivate gratitude as a way of life. Because when we do, we don’t just feel better – we live better.
