Reflection and Gratitude

One of the most common words I hear in farming/agri-business is “stress.” We are all faced with many uncertainties, many challenges, and a grueling workload on our shoulders. We are all striving towards sustaining our farms/businesses and being able to profit and grow towards having a future in what we do, and something to pass on to the next generation.

Although our intentions and concerns come from a genuine place, we do tend to get wrapped up in them at times. We have worries about the conditions the year will bring; the costs of doing business; the uncertainty of how much we will be paid; how we will get done what we need to in a day, a week, a month, a year; the interruptions and set-backs when we are trying to complete jobs; and how we can improve for the next year. I feel compassion, and I understand and relate to this anxiety.

However, for now, I would like everyone to take a deep breath, let go of the stress, and take some time to be Thankful. Look at where we all are! We all have more Blessings than most people could ever even imagine. We have had all kinds of struggles, but we constantly overcome them. We always survive. We always get through it. So, why intoxicate our bodies and minds with stress?

Philippians 4: 6 and 7 reads: do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not forget what we are celebrating. Remember the birth of our Savior! Do Him justice by letting go of your worries. Take time to enjoy the Blessings in your life. Spend time with your families and your friends. Cherish these relationships. Cherish your health. Cherish the delicious cuisine you’re enjoying. Cherish your wealth and where you come from. Cherish the fact that you continuously overcome all struggles!

Approaching Christmas and all year round, I have so many things that I am over-the-moon grateful for. I will be spending this season preparing to have a beautiful, exciting, and heart-felt celebration. I will not get stressed and complain of my shopping list, etc. I will be cherishing all my loved ones and our good health!

I have had a very exciting year and I’m looking forward to another one next year. I could go on forever about the services and new opportunities I will be delivering; however, I would rather just pause and say Thank You!

I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the growers who have put trust in me to work for them. I would like to thank Emerge Ag Solutions for employing me, and the superior level of service they provide to growers. I am thankful to FarmLink Marketing Solutions and the team of 40 people that help me enhance grower’s profitability. I am thankful to Global Ag Risk Solutions and the opportunities they will be providing to our growers!

I wish you all a merry Christmas and the very best in 2015!!