I didn’t manage to get this written before leaving Extension; this is my last column for Extension. Thank you to all who have read what I’ve written through the years! It truly is humbling to know people read this column when there’s so many sources from which people can choose information.

I’ve reflected a lot. It’s been bittersweet as I’ve been sad to leave Extension and the people I’ve served, and, I’m excited for this next adventure to spend more time with Brian on the farm.

In reflecting, I keep coming back to gratitude. Through the years, some of the most impactful columns I’ve written (according to reader comments) talked about gratitude…how gratitude helps reduce anxiety and stress, how gratitude helps with one’s mood and outlook, how gratitude is the most endearing quality a person can have (and all of those statements are backed by research!). Please keep this in mind this harvest season! In spite of the challenges ahead, we truly are so blessed!

I’m grateful for a career in serving people and I’m looking forward to serving in my next one as well. I’m grateful for all the relationships and the people who have cared deeply for me. This has been exhibited throughout my career, but especially this past month through all the thoughtful notes, emails, cards, calls, texts, and the large turnout for the celebration. I’ve been somewhat overwhelmed and apologize if I haven’t gotten back to you. Thank you all for caring so well for me!

There’s a quote that stuck with me early in my career. It says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. How true! I was quite a mess this past month as I wasn’t anticipating leaving my Extension career quite yet but it’s the path that was allowed for me. My husband and office team shared with me that it should be hard … that when a person cares deeply for others and in serving others, tears will and should flow.

I’m grateful that relationships continue regardless of how careers change. Many showed me the truth of that when I moved from the Clay County area to the York/Seward area. I’m grateful to still be in an ag career and have the opportunity to still serve farmers, just in a different way.

I’m grateful for how Jesus changed my life! I was a sinner in need of a Savior. Jesus lived the perfect life, paid the penalty I deserved on the cross, conquered death and rose again! I recognized I couldn’t earn my way to heaven – that Jesus is the only way – and placed my faith, trust, and repentance in Him alone for my eternal salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). He loved each of us that much to go to the cross for us! My hope is that if you don’t know for sure where you will spend eternity that you’d reach out for a conversation as I’d love to share more with you. My cell phone will remain the same (402) 440-4739.

While this is my last column for Extension, I’m not going to stop writing. Perhaps not every week, but I plan to write about soil health and things Brian and I are learning. I’m excited to take a deep dive into plant/human/animal nutrition, learn how to verify our compost and compost extracts via microscopy, and better understand root causes of plant problems instead of treating symptoms. If you’re interested in learning with me, you can enter your email into the “follow my blog by email” at https://jenreesources.com/. With this, thank you for the encouragement, relationships, and support of me these past 22.5 years! It’s been a blessing and I’m grateful – Jenny