Tommy Taylor
PBPA Chairman
And in the blink of an eye, the end of the year is upon us. It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to family, friends, celebrations, and the counting of blessings. We’re already hearing Ho, Ho, Ho and the ringing of the bells as we enter stores to buy gifts for our loved ones. Christmas songs play on a loop and children work on their lists for Santa as parents quiz them, “Were you naughty or nice?”
As I get a little longer in the tooth, it has become apparent that I am in the 3rd or 4th stage of Santa Claus. As the saying goes, in life, there are Four Stages of Santa Claus. The first stage is where one believes in Santa, the second is the realization that you don’t believe in Santa, followed by a third stage where one becomes Santa Claus, and finally, the fourth and final stage of life arrives where one looks like Santa! Personally, I’ve enjoyed the first and third stages the most. For me, it is believing in the magic of Christmas and the sharing of blessings that brings me joy. For there is no greater joy than in sharing bountiful blessings with those whom we know and love.
And, as we are celebrating the season in our warm living rooms, surrounded by family and friends, or enjoying the company of our colleagues, let’s not forget about those who play a part in ensuring us our comforts and blessings. Much of my early career was spent in field operations, so my thoughts go straight to the men and women of our industry that are working in the field to bring us the abundant and reliable energy we need to be comfortable and cozy. Thanks to them, we don’t give it a second thought that power will be available at the flip of a switch. They brave the elements around the clock in order to keep our lights on and our home fires burning. My thoughts also go to those families gathering, just like mine, but with a notable absence at the dinner table. There are parents, spouses, and children missing their loved ones, those serving to protect our country and our freedoms. While we dream of a White Christmas, there are members of the military, first responders, and members of law enforcement that dream only of getting home to their families. As I count my many blessings, I must also count those whose labor and sacrifice ensures our security, our standard of living, and our most precious freedoms.
There’s no greater time than now to recognize the good fortunes we enjoy because of the sacrifice of others. We have the luxury of living in a secure and peaceful country with endless opportunities that others can only dream about. Look at the state of the world for just a moment. Conflicts are on the rise with wars on numerous fronts. Headlines on the front page grow more and more crowded as conflict fills our world. One can only hope for an end to the bloodshed, especially during this upcoming season of peace. So, we must remind ourselves that the peace we have in our homes and our nation is to be counted among our many blessings.
Now, as I count my blessings and gratitude for those who sacrifice so that I may enjoy the comforts of the holiday season and the peace of living in a nation that protects my freedoms, I ask that you join me in recognizing the many blessings that we share with others. We proudly offer our nation the energy supply of the Permian Basin. We fuel homes in far off cities that we may never visit. We provide warmth to families that we will never meet. And our fuel ensures that our national security and economy can function and grow. These are the bountiful blessings of the Permian Basin. They do not come wrapped as presents under a tree, but they are the blessings of our community that we share with our nation and the world.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May you have a wonderful Holiday season and continue to give thanks for our many blessings.