"May
you get all your wishes but one, so that you will always have something to
strive for!"
~ Irish Toast
I hope that today you are surrounded by friends, family and
loved ones. We all have a lot for which we can be thankful. Jones County has
seen its share of hard times and success this past year and I hope you are
thankful for the progress taking place in our community. In light of the recent
storms, there are many who we could offer our assistance to in their time of
need. Together we can all be thankful for our health, prosperity and ability to
live another day.
On the thought of volunteerism, we have so many volunteers and
leaders in our communities who are working very hard and diligent to make Jones
County a better place for us all. Through their tireless efforts and personal
giving, we can all sleep a little safer at night and be proud of the
accomplishments they are making to make our home a better place to live, work
and play. If you are out an about today, think of those who don't have the day
off like our policemen, firemen, emergency personnel and especially our troops
overseas and abroad. If you are one of those reading this, then thank you for
your service.
I want to keep my thoughts short today, but many of you know
that around the holidays (and especially this time of year) I do a lot of
reflecting and thinking. This year is no different. I am not sure if it was the
etiquette class Mitch, Sandy and I attended a few weeks back or if it something
different all together, but I have been thinking about the gesture of toasts a
lot lately. Not some quirky dancing piece of bread, but he
idea of sharing a few words among peers to let someone know how thankful you
are for their contributions. Perhaps today you will have an opportunity to make
a toast with friends and family. I like the expression of giving a toast,
especially to honor a really good host or friend. I don't always know what to
say when giving a toast but I have a few that I like to keep in my back pocket
for special occasions.
The history
of toasting is quite unique. Today we think of it as a way to honor
someone. Originally it was used to make sure that someone had not poisoned the
wine or spirits being shared before a meal. The mere fact that the term
"toast" originated from placing a piece of toasted bread in a
drinking glass to soak up any poison which could have been maliciously placed
is quite frightening. I certainly hope you don't share that experience today
but I do want you to think of toasting someone.
Each of us needs a little encouragement from time to time. Take
the time to notice the little accomplishments those around you have made this
past year. Thank them. If you have the opportunity, raise a glass to them in a
group and let everyone and them specifically see how much you care for them and
what they do to make you thankful.
As we bring 2011 to a close, let's go out strong. Let's take the
opportunity each day in the last part of this year and express how thankful we
are for the things we have, the things we have accomplished and the
opportunities we have to make our business community, our neighborhoods,
churches, schools, families and communities better. We can all work together
and make Jones County the best place on earth to live. I know you can do it,
and I want to be right here with you making the change. So to you my Jones
County friends, family and neighbors, I raise a glass (figuratively) and share
with you a few of my favorite toasts...
There are good
ships,
and there are wood
ships,
The ships that sail
the sea.
But the best ships,
are friendships,
And may they always
be.
~
May neighbors respect
you,
Trouble neglect
you,
The angels protect
you,
And heaven accept
you.
~
May your mornings
bring joy
and your evenings
bring peace...
May your troubles grow
less
as your blessings
increase!
~
Happy Thanksgiving to
all!!!
