A Season to Celebrate Our Blessings
A Season to Celebrate Our Blessings
By Jimmy Warden
NAPS Secretary/Treasurer
Many refer to the month of November as the month of thanks, of being grateful. On Nov. 11 every year, we celebrate Veterans Day. If not for our brave veterans, I know I would not be living the life I do today or have the freedoms I have as an American.
On Veterans Day, we recognize our Armed Forces’ veterans who risk their lives so we can live our lives in a country of freedom and choice. We would not have this privilege if not for the courage, loyalty and patriotism of our veterans.
There is a saying, “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all!” I want to extend a sincere thank-you to all the United States veterans.
On the first Tuesday of November, we have election day when we vote for who we want to represent us and govern our country and localities. That is an honor we have because of the rights and privileges fought for and secured by our veterans.
We are governed by law, but have the freedom to elect those who can change the law—a freedom many countries do not have. We should be thankful that, as Americans, we have a voice and a choice. Thank you and God Bless America!
And we surely cannot forget Thanksgiving Day when we celebrate this unique American holiday. It is a holiday where folks of all backgrounds come together with family and friends to give thanks to each other. We should be thankful for our families.
Life is extremely short; we do not know what may happen tomorrow. I am extremely thankful to my family for allowing me to serve NAPS and be away from home. Their unselfish support has been like winning the lottery.
Thanksgiving also is a day when we, as postal employees, sit with our families and realize this is the reason we do what we do every day. We do it for them! As I have said before, “We work for our families. We are employed by the U.S. Postal Service!”
On Thanksgiving, I always give thanks in prayer for being fortunate to be employed by the USPS because I probably would not have what I have today and could not have provided for my family as I did if not for my job.
It has been said you never will become rich working for the Postal Service, but it will put a roof over your head and food on the table and, if managed correctly, provide a comfortable life. So, thank you to the U.S. Postal Service!
Many may not be aware, but, in the month of November, more money is donated to charities than in any other month. As postal employees, we have the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). This is a fantastic and easy way to support a charity or charities of your choice.
One charity is the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund (PERF) that specifically assists postal employees who have been affected by natural disasters. What better way to show thanks and appreciate that our glass is half full than by helping those less fortunate who need assistance.
Last, but never least, I would like to thank all of you. Thank you to all the branch officers and National Executive Board regional and area vice presidents who donate their valuable time by stepping up and assuming this great responsibility to help NAPS members.
As many may not be aware, many of these are voluntary positions. Our association would not be as successful as it has been if not for the dedication, commitment and perseverance of these officers.
One of my favorite quotes written by the great American poet Maya Angelou is: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Be grateful during this month of thanks; life is too short.
And remember, “Increasing membership demonstrates leadership.” Stay safe and thank you for all you do!