Giving Thanks
We live in a world that is challenged. Many think this is the worst it has ever been. The war in Ukraine is ten months in, with few signs of an end. It is estimated that 200,000 people have been killed or wounded. Additionally, the world continues to battle pandemics, floods and droughts. Domestically, we battle inflation, layoffs and economic slowdowns. Of course, there is a 24/7 chorus of news outlets telling us how bad things are.
Despite the hurdles, there is much to be grateful for.
I am thankful for freedom and democracy. These are not free or guaranteed. We stand on the shoulders of everyone who ever served our nation. It is an incredible sacrifice and investment in future generations.
I am thankful that when I frequently disagree with our politicians, I can vote and speak my mind without fear of persecution. I am thankful for gridlock in Congress as it forces compromise. Hopefully those folks will conclude they need to work together and take care of the people who elected them.
I am thankful I can pursue any education, degree or license I want, and these opportunities are available to men and women alike.
Despite its flaws, I am thankful for capitalism and a free market society. It allows effort and innovation to be rewarded. Capitalism fosters investment and progress. When combined with prudent money management, capitalism leads to financial independence and control over one’s destiny. Although recessions are no fun, we battle them about once every seven years. We are undefeated in overcoming recessions and this time will be no different.
I am thankful for the opportunity to get up and go to work. And if I don’t like a job or career, I can find another one. If I want to earn more, I can go in earlier, stay later, or work multiple jobs. A job remains a privilege.
I am thankful I paid income taxes. It means I made money.
I am thankful I can worship anywhere I want to and have respect for others to do the same.
I am thankful I can travel to any city or state within our nation at any time. We have great highways and airports. I have the opportunity to travel to other countries. Although it is nice to see distant lands and meet other people, it always makes me happy to come home. Set a goal to visit as many state and national parks as you possibly can.
I am thankful I can drink the water straight from the faucet. My toilet flushes as many times as I can push the lever and every week these nice people come to my house to haul away my trash. They are so good I never give it a second thought.
Thank you to our military. I live a great life because people I don’t even know are willing to take a bullet for me.
I am thankful for law enforcement…no matter how often they pull me over. I probably deserved it. I am thankful for the fire department and EMS. Although there are many easier ways to make a living, these people put the needs of others before their own each day. They are true first responders.
I am thankful for electricity. Every time I flip that switch, there is a magical illumination of lights, TV’s, refrigerators and air-conditioning.
I am thankful for healthcare and medical advancements. The record-breaking development of vaccines and treatments for COVID has been nothing short of miraculous. The typical vaccine development timeline is five to ten years. The COVID vaccine was developed in less than a year. Thank you, science superstars!
I am thankful we are a nation so abundantly rich in food and resources that there is enough to share with those of us who are less fortunate.
I am thankful we are a nation of immigrants who decided the United States of America was the opportunity for a better life.
We live in a truly wonderful country. It may not be perfect, but it makes one give thanks each and every day. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.