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Every single person living in the United States has numerous reasons to be thankful. We still live in the greatest nation on earth. There is no place else where nearly every citizen can sit down to a plentiful Thanksgiving dinner. It is the day when families come together and celebrate the blessings that God has given us. We should be grateful for all that we have. Take a couple of minutes and look around you. If you are lucky enough to still have your parents, and grandparents, be sure to spend some time with them. Ask them questions about when they were your age. And really listen to their answers. Someday you’ll be glad you did. If they are no longer with you, try not to be sad for too long. Be grateful for the wonderful memories you have of when they were here. You know that is what they would want you to do. Remember, they are only really gone when they are forgotten.

Be grateful for the wonderful times you and your spouse have had together. Remember the vacations, birthdays, and anniversaries. How awesome was that day your child(ren) was born? You knew the child was a miracle, a beautiful gift from God. Were you as terrified as my wife and I at the incredible responsibility that child presented? All of a sudden you were responsible for a completely helpless human being. If you were like us, you had no clue what to do next. But together you raised, or are raising, these helpless babies to became responsible adults. Be grateful for your parents, family, and friends who stood at the ready to help. Many of whom are still beside you today. Do you remember purchasing your first house? And if you’re old enough, do you remember making the last payment? For most of us it wasn’t a palace. But it was OUR palace, and we were proud as proud could be to own our own place. Do you remember your first car? Your first job? These were stepping stones that carried you from where you were to where you are. Things didn’t always work out exactly as you planned. But if you really thought about it most of you can count 10 things to be grateful for against every 1 disappointment. We are all guilty at times of remembering only the disappointments. Just for today, Thanksgiving Day, let’s be thankful for the good.

Think about the amazing miracles that are our children, and grandchildren. It’s okay to remember the times when they were little jerks. (We can’t appreciate how great they are if we didn’t have the jerky days to measure them against). As parents and grandparents let’s be forever grateful for the joy they have brought into our lives. The milestones they accomplished are forever etched in our minds. Some are great students, some athletes, some are especially loving, sharing, and kind. Some may be all of these things. Each of them touch our hearts in their own special way. It doesn’t matter how old they are, we should reach out and give them a big hug whenever, and wherever, we see them. Some might be at that age when hugs in public embarrass them. Hug them anyway. On this Thanksgiving Day let’s give them a little bit bigger hug, and hold it just a little bit longer.

There are millions of Americans who, because duty calls, can’t be with their families and loved ones on Thanksgiving. Please take some time to be grateful for members of our military, law enforcement, fire departments, ambulance drivers, emergency room doctors and nurses, and the many people in retail stores who are required to work on Thanksgiving Day. We sometimes get so busy we forget the sacrifices these people make so that we may enjoy the holiday. Let’s keep them in our mind this year as we celebrate the many blessings we have to be grateful for on Thanksgiving Day. There are a few big box retailers that chose to close on Thanksgiving this year. When you shop in their stores, be sure to tell a manager how much you appreciate their decision that allowed their employees to celebrate with families and friends. When you shop in stores that stayed open be sure to tell the manager how much you disapprove of their being open on Thanksgiving Day.

I hope you all have a safe and loving Thanksgiving Day with your family and friends. Don’t forget to reach out to those who couldn’t join you. I’m sure they will love hearing your voice.

If you enjoyed this post, or found it thought provoking, please tell your family and friends about it. Happy Thanksgiving, Bob P.S. I am a couple of days early with this post as I will be traveling to be with my family over the Thanksgiving Day weekend.