A MESSAGE FROM YOUR GENERAL MANAGER/CEO

GARY RAYBON

Give Thanks for the Comforts of Electricity

Every Thanksgiving, when my family gathers around the table, we take turns sharing what we’re thankful for. Some of these expressions of gratitude may seem trivial, while others can be humorous or deeply touching.

I always walk away from the table and wonder why we do that only once a year. Are we really only appreciative when the calendar tells us we should be?

I suspect we let the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life get in the way of taking time to appreciate how blessed we are—and expressing to those responsible for those blessings how much we appreciate them.

Like most of you, when asked what I’m grateful for, I’ll mention family, friends, a comfortable bed to sleep in, good health and a home to shelter my loved ones.

But that’s an awfully short list for someone who has so much. I’m fortunate to have a job that I love—general manager of Wharton County Electric Cooperative. While some days aren’t easy, the knowledge that the work we do here at your co-op makes our members’ lives better is deeply fulfilling.

Nowhere in the business world will you find a more dedicated and hardworking group of employees. Our lineworkers risk life and limb every single day in their efforts to keep power flowing to each and every home and business on our system. Other employees provide critical behind-the-scenes support to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Working in this business, I learned quickly not to take for granted a constant supply of electricity and to be grateful for the convenience and comfort it provides. While it’s never fun to be without power, it does give us a moment to reflect on just how much we rely on this invisible servant. 

Sometimes it’s just a convenience we miss, like hot popcorn made in three minutes in a microwave. Other times, the absence of power could be life-threatening, such as when it’s not available to power a breathing machine or other vital medical equipment.

When the power does go out, I’m grateful we have skilled crews available 24/7 to fix the problem, as well as understanding members who patiently await repairs.

Author William Arthur Ward is credited with saying, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

I’m going to do my best throughout the year to make sure every gift I wrap gets delivered.

I wish you and your family a richly blessed Thanksgiving.