06/02/2026
Thanksgiving Tuesday‼
A few weeks ago, an incident occurred on the north side of Oblong regarding a severe water leak causing immense concern, water being shut off, and a boil order issued. This isn't the only time that something like this has happened and it probably won't be the last time. But this particular incident made us realize that for this Thanksgiving Tuesday post, we want to thank those who work to maintain the health, well-being, and structure of a community that many have come to call a home. Join us as we thank our public work professionals.
Dear God, you are the ultimate creator of the concept and ideal of what we call a community. Throughout history, you have brought people together to design, build, and shape a place where people gather, work, live, grow, and put down roots. In this place, you also blessed those present with what we call public workers. These public workers include local teachers, pastors, volunteers, sanitation crews , healthcare providers, emergency responders, maintenance crews, and leaders; and today we recognize them as being the backbone of our communities. Their tireless dedication ensures our roads are clear, our children are educated, our people are cared for, and our essential services run smoothly. What would a community be without these great people?
O Lord, we thank you for each and every person who is considered a public worker. They work tirelessly to make communities better and safer. They go above and beyond to make communities a livable place. They seek ways to make communities a home for thousands of people. They encounter situations that are dangerous, that require ingenuity, that force them to think outside the box, that push them and challenge them, and that at times seem impossible to mend. But yet, they do what they can to build strong communities with hopes of improving quality of life. And we thank you, O Lord, for giving them the strength and will to serve the community day-in and day-out.
O Lord, we thank you for each and every person who bears the title "public worker." This title is a powerful reminder of what service looks like: putting others first. This title is a powerful reminder of how works can change someone's life. This title is a powerful reminder that they are living out your service, Lord: for you are the greatest public worker this creation has ever seen. And these public workers are an extension of your grace, faith, and love.
O Lord, today, we thank you for those who are called "public workers." We thank you for their willingness to serve. We thank you for their willingness to fix problems. We thank you for their willingness to teach and save lives. We thank you for their ability to step up in a time of need. We thank you for the wisdom they have to make tough decisions while keeping the interest of the people in mind. We thank you, O Lord, for each and every person who carries the title of "public worker." They are truly building stronger communities, improving quality of life, and turning a community into a home for many people.
O Lord, bless them, protect them, and remind them that what they do is what keeps the community alive and thriving. Amen.
