Happy Thanksgiving!
This is my second Thanksgiving in College Station spent with close friends- family really. As I reflect on the day, I see it is very much like what dinner with my family in the midwest would be if I was there tonight instead. Unlike home in the midwest, I lacked my mom’s assorted pies and hugs & kisses from all my kids (they know who they are – nieces, nephews, cousins – basically if I changed their diapers, made them a meal, or gave a consequence more than once, they are counted as mine). Tears aside, it was much the same, joy filled. There was enough food for an army. Oh, the leftovers. There were cute kids; ready to entertain. Like most family functions, I cuddled and chased a little around who missed a nap for the feast. There were people that I love all gathered in one place. Just like every day, I have so much for which to be thankful.
I am thankful for friends and family near and far. Phone calls, texts, and Facetime to check in and encourage me throughout the year. I’m thankful for co-workers who remind me of my passion for students regularly. I am grateful for my home. It’s not where I thought I would be living at almost thirty one, but it’s peaceful and enough. I’m thankful that I had today off work when so many others don’t. Thank you to the police officer, nurses, firemen, and Black Friday workers for going to work while the rest of the world enjoys a feast. I’m so grateful to live in a country where we can worship God freely without fear of persecution. Thank you to the men and women who fight daily for that freedom and so many others. I’m thankful for all people who prepared today’s meal not only in our home but in yours as well.
Thanksgiving meal prep may have began in the early morning, but in reality it started well before the ingredients entered our homes. I’m not talking just what happens at H-E-B or Kroger. Though, hats off to those folks for dealing with all of us as we are at times less than friendly. The Thanksgiving meal to most of us is a one, two day commitment, but for farmers and ranchers, its on their minds 24/7, 365 days a year – feeding America and the world. One American farmer feeds 155 people. That single farmer produces twice what his parents did before him. I say him but please note that 14% of American farms are owned and operated by women. Agriculture isn’t a single person show. It tends to be family affair with 97% of famers being family owned and operated. It takes more than a family; it takes a community. To produce the nations food and fiber needs, it requires 21 million people all with one goal in mind. Even tonight with full bellies, there are farmers headed out to check on the cows and take care of evening chores.
So as you make your way to the kitchen for the last sliver of pie, take a moment and think about the farmers and agriculture employees who toil day in and day out to make it happen no matter the weather, the financial risks, and ever changing consumer demands. Pray for their families. Pray for rain when needed. Pray for sunshine to help crops grow. Pray for favor as they conclude harvest and prepare for the start of another growing season. Pray these men and women will be equipped for their calling in the fields or the barns. Pray God would keep them safe each day and most of all that they would know they are loved by a King.
Happy Thanksgiving,
-Charlee
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Just for fun, here are some Ag facts about two Thanksgiving staples – Turkey and Pumpkin.
* Approximately 46 million turkeys were consumed today. Most of those turkeys were produced in Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansa, and Missouri. It is estimated that in 2018, turkey growers will produce 5.9 billion pounds (ready to cook) of meat. The United States is the leading turkey producer and exporter.
*Illinois is the leading pumpkin growing state – producing 3-5 times more than the other pumpkin producing states. Two billion pounds of pumpkin are produced annually in the United States. On average, Texas growers harvest 30,000 pounds of pumpkin per acre. Pumpkin sales in 2015 totaled $360 million.
Sources: National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), National Association of Agricultural Educators, USDA Economic Research Service
