The reasons to give thanks

Normally, I use this space to discuss the goings on of the county or other subjects that relate to what your county government is doing. I actually had another subject I was preparing for this article, but after spending some time on my tractor this weekend I decided to talk about Thanksgiving and its importance. So, I hope you’ll indulge me as I take a little bit of page space for personal reflection.

For Melissa and me, Thanksgiving falls at an interesting time, right in the middle of two of our sons’ birthdays. Our oldest had his 33rd birthday this Sunday, and our youngest will be 19 years old next Wednesday. But even with these two important occasions on the calendar, we still plan a good-sized feast each year as we never know how many of the eight kids will come. Honestly, when you throw in the in-laws and grandchildren, it could be as many as 16 people in the house on Thanksgiving Day and that’s if my parents don’t come over.

We all look forward to our holiday visitors, the parades, the football games, and the turkey (or ham, or lasagna, or tamale casserole, or…. well, you get the point). Each year we gather, and we hope it’s a day filled with family, and friends, and fun, and laughter, and love. But for some, Thanksgiving can be a day of anxiety, stress, pain, and for some, loneliness. 

Regardless of the reason, some folks will put on that brave façade, but inside, they’re facing giants that we don’t know about. Life happens to all of us and whether it’s the death of a loved one, loss of a job, health issues, or any other of a myriad of issues people have to deal with. Some folks may not believe it, and some may not feel like they have anything to be thankful for; that’s where each of us comes in.

Take the time to reach out and help someone else who might not be so fortunate. Check on your friends, your neighbors, your church members and see if they need anything. For many of us here in the United States, we take for granted the advantages we have. Many of us have blessed lives; and as a country we are fortunate. I know many of us complain about this or that; the economy, wars overseas, cultural differences, and it sometimes seems that nothing is going right, but God has indeed blessed us here in America. 

So, as we spend a little time with friends and family this Thanksgiving, please take some time to reflect on all that God has given us. Think of how we can use our gifts, our talents, and our time to help those who need it the most. Each of us has something to offer and there are many in our community who can use our help. I pray we all find our place in helping our fellow Milam County residents to have the best holiday season possible. 

Melissa and I and the kids (all of them), wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and as a veteran I say a special prayer that God watch over all of our servicemembers and our first responders who are away this holiday season as well as their families back home. 

Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless You All.