We Are Thankful.

It’s the holiday season already! Yep, I know. You have
probably heard it all already between turkey gobbles, crazy dashes to get a
computer on sale, and then those beautiful Christmas hymns, but what is the
holiday season really about?

You have probably heard this question before too. It’s easy
to say family, friends, and giving thanks for those things that we are
fortunate enough to have in our lives. It’s what most of us DO say.
BUT, do we mean it?

Obviously, we love our families. We love our friends. We
know that there are those out there less fortunate than us. We know that we are
lucky So, we come to the conclusion that we are Thankful.
BUT, are we really?

Is that what being Thankful is? Is it simply saying once a
year because there is a holiday named after it that, yeah, we realize that we
are fortunate?

The simple answer: no.

Being truly Thankful is NOT just realizing it in your mind
and stating it out loud because it is your turn at the dinner table on
Thanksgiving evening.

Being truly Thankful takes thought. It takes initiative. It
takes a simple act of kindness.

Don’t get me wrong! There is nothing wrong with telling
those around you that you are Thankful for them…just make it have meaning. Don’t
be Thankful because you SHOULD. Be Thankful because you ARE.

Showing Thankfulness is something that we see every day and
take for granted. It is as simple as reminding your mom that you love her,
sending a thank you card to that friend that was there for you in your time of
need, and saying thank you to someone who holds the door open for you. It doesn’t
need to be a big production. It just needs to be meaningful.

Saying you are Thankful and truly BEING Thankful are two
completely different things.

As FFA members, we are Thankful. We are Thankful for our
agricultural educators. We are Thankful for the farmers that produce the food
that we put on our tables. We are Thankful for our alumni that are so
supportive and giving. We are Thankful for the opportunity to go to a school
where we can receive agricultural education. We are Thankful for our teammates.
We are Thankful for our fellow FFA members that will be there with us every
step of our journey. I know that you are Thankful.

We are Thankful. How will YOU BE Thankful each day?

Stationed by the Flag,

Chelsea Vilchis