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Inspiration

Thanksgiving matters

lack Friday's influence may be waning, but the Religious and secular communities throughout human
Thanksgiving holiday remains as significant as history have given thanks in rituals, hymns, collections
ever. Shopping begins earlier and is done in a and other means.
B variety of ways that didn't exist in days of yore.
But many people in the United States still enjoy officially Reaching out in multiple ways
kicking off the holiday season by gathering with friends Today, in addition to enjoying traditional Thanksgiving
and family to share a meal of traditional North American dinners with family and friends, many people reach out
foods, and giving thanks for all the good things life pro- to express gratitude to a variety of people who make a
vides, along with valuable lessons learned. difference in their lives day in, day out. Whether it's a
heartfelt email message, phone call, physical card, in-
It makes sense to give thanks throughout the year, person visit, or shout out on social media, scores of people
developing an "an attitude of gratitude," as Zig Ziglar used in the payments industry have been letting their current
to say. Ziglar was a consummate salesman, author and merchant customers, partners, vendors, support staff
motivational speaker who inspired many merchant level and contractors know just how much those relationships
salespeople in the payments industry's formative years. mean to them. It's an extra touch that demonstrates caring
However, it's easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind beyond a limited, close-knit circle.
and forget to appreciate what you have while pursuing
new goals. Thus, rituals like Thanksgiving serve as a And at this time, while I appreciate events and people,
gentle reminder to slow down, pause and reflect on what's both close to home and across the globe, that are making a
good. positive difference in the world, I'm thinking in particular
of the hard-working, brilliant readers who subscribe to
The United States isn't the only country that celebrates and rely on The Green Sheet, as well as the partners who
in this way. Canadians, for example, celebrate their help us in multiple ways to carry out our mission.
Thanksgiving holiday in October. Germans celebrate
Erntedankfest, a religious holiday of thanksgiving in It is for you and because of you that we continue to exist,
October; People in Liberia, which was established by freed and while I do foster an "attitude of gratitude" throughout
slaves from the United States, celebrate the holiday in the year, I want you to know, as we embark upon the 2022
November. holiday season, how very much my Green Sheet colleagues
and I appreciate you.
Also in November, Japanese people take part in Kinro
Kansha no Hi, which is derived from an ancient rice
harvest festival. Long before colonists arrived in North
America, indigenous people held festivals, giving thanks
at harvest time. Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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