november 2011 - Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

GIVE THANKS
AND PRAISES
It’s that time of year again!! The weather has cooled, the leaves have fallen
and the string of year-end holiday’s is about to begin . . . Thanksgiving, Christmas
then New Year’s. Time will fly by even faster than it seems to be flying right now.
Ironically, it is also the time in which we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving; a time to
focus on all that we are thankful for such as family, friends, and health, etc. We
too, need to stop and give thanks to God for all He has given us. We are so
blessed. David said in the Bible: "I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will
tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of
you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High"(Psalm 9:1-2, New Living
Translation). God loves to hear us thank Him – and it lifts our spirits to remember
what we have to be thankful for.
CHAPLAIN’S
CORNER
Not too long ago my son came to me with a broken toy. He wanted me to fix it
for him, and through some “good luck” and patience, I was able to repair his
treasure. I presented it to him (feeling a little proud about my ability to fix it!) and
he took it and went to play with it. I admit I was more than a bit disappointed. I
was looking for a “thank you” from him for my hard work. When I brought this to
his attention, he seemed surprised. After all, wasn’t it my job to fix things for
him! I believe God would like us to thank Him more for the things He does for us
each day. And when we focus on these things, some of which are out of our
control, we may discover just how thankful we should be! I find myself taking a lot
for granted in the world. Sometimes the focus on my self and my family keeps me
shortsighted. In reality, I should be remembering the many “other” blessings in my
life that I forget to be thankful for.
And one of those blessings is – you! In your job, there are very few who take
the time to say “Thank You” for a job well done. They expect that since it’s your
job, that you simply do it. Please know that there are many fine citizens that
appreciate you and the job you do for Okaloosa County. They may forget to say
Thank You – but let me speak for them at this Thanksgiving season – THANK
YOU! Keep up the good work. You make us proud. I am so thankful for you. May
God bless you and your families this Thanksgiving season and all year long.
Happy Thanksgiving!
OCSO Chaplain
Larry Carter
hhA
Ha