The Importance of Gratitude

Hi y’all! I cannot believe that December is just days away. It is sad to see the warm temperatures of summer and the beautiful colors of autumn in the rearview mirror, but I always find joy in this season by focusing on the joy ahead that comes from time with my babies. 

Thanksgiving today is beautiful in its simplicity. Time with those closest to us around the table, enjoying a meal and expressing our gratitude for the blessings all around us is so refreshing. Although I believe it is also extremely valuable to think back to the holiday’s origins, which were anything but simple. 

Survival was the only goal at that point for the Europeans who came across the ocean to settle in the Americas. Food was scarce and the new climate was harsh. A friendly tribe of Native Americans, the Wampanoag tribe, stepped in and saved the great American experiment from a premature ending. They helped the pilgrims and taught them how to plant food and build better shelters, to thrive in this strange new world. At the end of that first harvest, the two groups celebrated not just their new relationship, but the fact that they, and their hopes and dreams, were still alive. 

Today, most of us do not face those types of life and death circumstances, but problems and fears far too often block out the positives. Social media and a 24-7 news cycle make it harder than ever before to see past politics, inflation and global conflicts that make the future hazy at best. That is why it is on all of us to really focus in on the positives, no matter how seemingly small, and to give thanks to God for that which he has blessed us – family, friends, food, shelter and freedom. 

Personally, I want to say one of the things for which I am most grateful this year is to have served the last four years as your state senator, and to play such an important role in this amazing community. As my time in this role draws near to a close, it is incredibly difficult to process not returning to Jefferson City in January to continue representing the 27th District. However, I have every intention of continuing to work for the betterment of southeast Missouri and continue in my quest to protect women and children, no matter where my career goes from here. Y’all have been there for me and my family through the most trying of times, so I am not going anywhere. We will continue to make it the best place in Missouri to live, work and thrive. 

From my family to yours, have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. 

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at 573-751-2459. You may write me at Holly Thompson Rehder,
Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Rm 433, Jefferson City, MO 65101, send an email to Holly.Rehder@senate.mo.gov or visit www.senate.mo.gov/Rehder.