Now that the leaves have turned and dropped from the trees, it’s in this time of year that we pause to reflect on the transition of seasons.

It’s in these moments of change that we can either choose to be thankful for the journey or despise the process. This month our team, made it our mission to focus on our thankfuls; using it as a time to grasp them, flesh them out, and soak them in.

Keeping this in mind, we asked our team to document things like: their thankfuls, favorite thanksgiving dish, and cherished traditions. By sharing our thoughts on this season, it allowed us to stop our daily tasks and step away from the routine. Let’s see what some of them had to say:

“Autumn is a second spring, where every leaf is a flower. I always enjoyed Thanksgiving because it signifies winter is almost here. That is my favorite season- I love the cold and snow. I also enjoy rifle season; sitting in the woods, enjoying nature, waiting for deer.” – Shannon Izer, Nursery Manager

“I am thankful for my family. I am so blessed to have an amazing family that makes the holidays so enjoyable. I am also thankful for my health and the health of my children and husband. Our Thanksgiving traditions are pretty basic. Our extended family is about 2,000 miles away, so we spend the day with just us – my husband and four kids. We make a mostly traditional Thanksgiving meal, however, we started frying our turkey three years ago and LOVE IT! ” – Amber Spells, Accounting Assistant

“I always like a good taco no matter the holiday but, on Thanksgiving, I like the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn.”– Santos, Crew Member

April Rosenbaum, our Finance Manager, said this about Thanksgiving, “When we think of Thanksgiving, turkey, pumpkin pie, family, Black Friday shopping, and time off often come to mind. But do we remember why we really celebrate Thanksgiving Day? It began when the pilgrims planned a feast with their harvest thanking God for bringing them safely to America and providing for their basis needs of food and shelter. When we think back to the life of Pilgrims it was much simpler but also very difficult. They had to cut down trees and build a house in order to have shelter. They had to clear ground, plant seeds and hope that the rain and their toil would provide enough food for their family until the next planting season. But their gratefulness on that first Thanksgiving inspired and challenged them to dream big dreams and to continue to work hard. These humble beginnings were the start of our great country! We now have the opportunity to live in a free country where we take for granted the many blessings we have each and every day. I am thankful for all the daily blessings, a free country that allows us to own a family business and our customers who support our business which then allows us and our employees to support our families.”

“My favorite dish is Pollo con Nopales (chicken with cactus) and tamales.” – Rolando, Crew Member

“I’m thankful for my job, thankful that I have a great group of guys to work with and for, and thankful for good health.” – Jacob Foster, Crew Member

Our President, Scott Rosenbaum, stated that he loves all the food around this time of year, but “it’s about more than that. It’s having everyone around the table, chattering, talking, laughing. He also mentioned his thanksfuls, “I have the two best godly boys, a godly daughter-in-law who is gifted in so many things and my wife, April. Now I can talk about her all day. You won’t find a better mother and wife. She is always doing stuff others.”

It’s in this season that we challenge you to stop the routine, pause the daily tasks, and let your gratefulness inspire and lead to bigger and better things in the year ahead, just like the Pilgrims. We hope you also realize that no matter your present circumstance, God has placed you exactly where you need to be.  According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.”

May God bless your Thanksgiving but also this season.