Give thanks this week

The annual celebration of the turkey is upon us and hopefully this week finds you with friends and family, whether it’s at home or on the road, to share in this wonderful holiday.

While the day is one to be excited for, with the promises of gut-busting meals, football games and those infamous Black Friday crowds, one need only look at the holiday’s name to know what it’s made for — giving thanks.

Though thankfulness is something we should express in our day-to-day, even if it is just for something as simple as getting through another day, Thanksgiving is the one time we can pause, take a breath and really reflect on what this trip around the sun has brought to us.

But more than that, it’s a chance to think about what we have that others don’t — a home, a job, access to running water or other basics we might otherwise take for granted. While being thankful for what we have, we can also be somebody’s reason to give thanks.

It doesn’t take much. You don’t have to go out and buy things you might think people want just for them to be happy. A smile or a kind word can certainly make anyone’s day a little brighter. And there’s plenty of opportunity to volunteer in the community, and that’s something we can all be thankful for.

The rumble caused by this year’s election season is dying out. Though there has been plenty of anger and hurt feelings, this week really take the time to give thanks for everything we have in our lives and get yourself into a festive mood. Not just for the holidays; if you can hold onto it, let’s keep it going year-round.