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President's Letter: 'Thank you" is the best prayer one can recite

December 5, 2018

I have heard it said, “thank you” is the best prayer one can recite.  Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility and understanding. 

In that vein, thank you, Lord, the elections are over (even though at times I feel I understand less about Florida's political landscape)!!!  I can say no more, no less than others, but I can say our vote truly counts – even when the pontificators and those charged with counting our votes cannot! It is so critical we not only take the time to exercise this freedom, but encourage others to do the same. 

We must also, in my mind, pay less attention to political party (not that party is not influential – in most cases) and focus upon the spirit of the candidates. Will they be pragmatic? Will they support our industry?  Will they cooperate across party lines? And, where did “statesmanship” go?  Will they only follow their own ideology or will they do what is best for Florida? We (well most of us) were given two ears and one mouth. I often wish folks would listen twice as much as they speak.

It is going to be an interesting legislative session in Tallahassee this spring. Rest assured your FNGLA staff and volunteer leaders will be there to sing your song. I often say, “I make no promise I cannot keep.” However, we promise to be a part of the sausage-making, although we cannot promise how the sausage will taste at the session’s end. This has been another historic election for Florida and I suspect it will be an epic session to follow. Fingers crossed.

I love Q4 and am thankful for many other things. As a business owner, it is time to reflect on the previous nine months’ journey. It is also time to begin planning a new path forward in January, and, hopefully, enjoy the fruits of my and my team’s efforts.  

On a personal level, I love the change in weather and gathering with family on Thanksgiving. I love participating in and watching others embrace the traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah. I value more family interactions as I get older and less the commercialism, although commercialism keeps our economy vibrant - and sells Christmas cacti and poinsettias! 

During the upcoming holidays, I hope you make the time to take those mental snapshots of what and who is important in your life. I pray you have lots of smiles and laughter, many hugs, hearty meals and the deepest appreciation for who we are - and just how special we are blessed. And, if Aunt Millie won’t squeeze your neck, I will!

The FNGLA holiday circus is hitting the road. I look forward very much to seeing as many of you as I can in December. Thank you for being you. Thank you for planning and organizing your FNGLA Chapter holiday events. We are a member-driven association and this critical bond occurs at the Chapter level.  

Thank you for all of your hard work, innovation, creativity, stewardship and being there when we need you - in all the needed forms, such as political grassroots and hurricane assistance. We are a great association and now let us enjoy a brief respite from work and cherish one another this Christmas and holiday season.

May God continue to bless each and every one of you.

Thank you,

Will.Womack.sig

 
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