Happy Thanksgiving

"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!!!