Feeling Full

Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite times of the year! It reminds us to be thankful for every day and every opportunity! I don’t take the time to think of them enough, so I decided to list some of the top things I’m thankful for this year!

1. Family

1. Although some would say they have the best parents…I truly believe that I am blessed with the best! My parents are the most supportive people I’ve ever met and are always there to cheer me on no matter what I’m doing! They’ve never missed a golf match, a soccer game, a contest, or an event. I’m so very thankful that God chose me to have the two best parents anyone could ever dream of having!

2. Friends

1. My friends are what keeps me going! They encourage me to pursue my passions and dreams, they offer support or advice when I need it most, and they come to support me whenever they can. My friends are the type of people that will drop anything when I need them and always go along with all of my crazy ideas!

3. My Team

1. We recently took a team outing to Rascal’s Fun Zone. If you don’t know what Rascal’s is, it’s a small family fun zone with go-karts, arcade games, and a mini golf course. Although we may have seemed a little old to be enjoying the games, we didn’t let that stop us! We may have caused a few go-kart wrecks, came home with chapped lips and hands from the cold, and only one a few suckers at the arcade, we all agreed that it was the most fun we’d had together in a while. Sometimes it’s the little things that make me laugh the most…even when Toby lapped me for a third time with his speedy go-kart…. nonetheless, I’m extremely thankful for times like these that I get to enjoy with my team!

4. Gateway

1. Since moving to Trafalgar, I’ve been regularly attending Gateway Cowboy Church, and it has probably been one of the greatest blessings I could have ever asked for. They have welcomed me with open arms, made a place for me in their little church, and have been faithful friends when I needed it most! I’m so very thankful for the new church family I gained & the joy they continue to bring me every Sunday evening!

5. Year of Service

1. I thought my year as a State Officer would be surrounded on how I could impact those around me, but I could have never predicted how much those around me would actually be the ones to make the impact! I’ve absolutely loved getting to meet and hang out with so many cool people and get to hear their stories! I often leave conversations feeling positively inspired and energized! I’ve been greatly touched by the kindness, compassion, and love that so many have shown me…it has all made me very thankful that I get to serve in this position for the next year!

6. Ag Educators

1. I was lucky to have my dad as my FFA advisor…which was quite the adventure in itself! Although I’m a little biased, I think my advisor was the best, but I took him for granted way too often! Looking back, I wished I wouldn’t have complained about the 6:40am practices as much and instead, appreciated that he would give up his sleep as well to coach and push us to be better! Ag Teachers don’t get nearly enough credit, so here's a reminder for me AND you, to give your advisors and teachers a little extra token of appreciation this thanksgiving!

7. Veterans

1. After spending my last few weekends in FIRE: Top Gun, I’ve discovered an entirely new appreciation for our military! They sacrifice so much, especially time away from their families during the holidays, to fight for my freedom. I’m so very thankful to live in a country where I know I am safe & protected, thanks to our wonderful men and women in uniform!

8. Farmers

1. As an FFA member, this one seems like a given…but it’s one I often forget about! I am so very thankful that there are so many dedicated, driven, passionate, and caring farmers across the country who have dedicated their lives to feeding the world. Being a farmer is one of the most noble professions, and one that I couldn’t be more thankful for!

I recently came across a quote that said, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” This was a perfect reminder that while my list here may be short, I must continue to be thankful in every season for all that I have. This list has truly left my heart feeling full of gratitude! This week, I hope you can find what Thanksgiving is all about…full hearts and full tummies.

                                                                                                Feeling grateful,

                                                                                                                    Mary Jones