Blessings abound at the Lake!
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
I always feel a bit bad for the Thanksgiving holiday, as it’s often treated like the red-headed stepchild. Glazed over by the Christmas anticipation. Ignored by most retail stores.
Forgotten until it’s time to eat.
Well, this year, we’re bringing Thanksgiving front and center. We’re pushing aside the tinsel and bows until next week and focusing on turkey while we give thanks for all our blessings this year. After another spectacular year at the Lake, how can we not? We have SO much to be thankful for!
Of course, at the top of our list, is the fantastic slew of Chamber Members who are like the oil in our engine. Without them, we would be broken down on the side of the road, unable to function. They are what drives our organization to be better each and every day.
Because we want them to win, too.
I knew all those years of high school cheerleading would pay off someday!
To all of our members, new and old, we offer our heartfelt THANKS for another year of economic awesomeness. Our appreciation knows no limit for the incredible support through sponsorships and events as we all work together to build a better community! We wish you and your employees health and prosperity during the upcoming holiday season.
Then there’s just the community in general. I mean, Clear Lakers aren’t Clear Lakers the BEST? Every time we’ve put out the call for volunteers, y’all show up in droves. No other community has the impeccable attendance at events like we do here in Clear Lake. And it’s because of the extraordinary people who live here.
You guys are what makes this community such an amazing place to live, work and play.
Finally, we would be remiss not to mention the City of Clear Lake in our list of thanks this season. Working side-by-side on several occasions throughout the year, we are genuinely thankful for the collaborative relationship.
We are also thankful for the police, fire, parks & recreation and public works departments who take such good care of us year after year. Your support and guidance are second to none and we couldn’t be the community we are, and do the things we do at the Chamber, without EACH of you.
And so, as we slide into the Thanksgiving holiday this year, I challenge each of you to reflect on the blessings in your life. Even if it’s just a moment. Because in the hustle and bustle of food prep and family gatherings and making sure the house is clean, the real purpose of Thanksgiving can get lost.
Thanksgiving is about being with loved ones, gathered around a table to share a meal. It’s about recognizing all the good in your life. Even those navigating their way through a hard season this year, look for the good. When you focus on positivity and light, the rest will follow suit.
And on Friday, when the turkey coma has worn off, lace up those sneakers and hit the ground running to ALL the local stores for your holiday shopping. If you need some ideas, be sure to check out the playlist from Stacy & Rachel’s Pink Friday Holiday Shop Hop. Decked out in pink attire, we were EXTRA this year, that’s for sure. Plus, we found some AMAZING gift ideas from our Chamber Members and encourage everyone to SHOP LOCAL.
May your plates be as full of delicious food on Thursday as our hearts are all year round.
From the entire team at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.