This Thanksgiving, my wish is that we let all of our friends, family, co-workers and neighbors know just how much we love and appreciate them. 

 

 

And even after Nov. 24 has past, don't let that stop you from having an attitude of gratitude the rest of 2016 and beyond — it will take you far in life, and it will also make you have a life worth living.

 

Here are some things I’m thankful for.

 

I’m thankful for my health and the health of my family. Millions of people are afflicted with pain, disease and life-threatening illness and I pray that all who are suffering be healed and find comfort in 2017.

 

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” — Mahatma Ghandi.

 

I’m thankful for my family — my wife, our home and our three critters (Abby, Daisy and Baxter). I’m thankful for the parents I’ve had and the closeness I have with my brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. I pray that those who are lonely and without loved ones, that they will be touched in their soul by someone who cares.

 

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smiles and who love you no matter what.” — Unknown.

 

I’m thankful for my job and the co-workers I see everyday and all the people I come in contact on my weekly endeavors to council and township meetings, school activities and sporting events. I pray that those who are desperately seeking employment, will capture their ideal employment and are appreciated for their skill and work ethic.

 

“Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else’s fairytale. — Wale Ayeni.

 

I’m thankful for a roof over our heads and the warm nights, bountiful space and the protection it provides. I pray that those who are homeless will find warmth, a place to stay and caring strangers willing to open their hearts to them by providing accommodations, food and comfort.

 

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." — William Arthur Ward.

 

I’m thankful for our friends — old and new — who bring life, laughter, companionship and kindred spirits to our lives. I pray those who are lonely, friendless and abandoned that they will feel and appreciate the touch of a hand, an arm around a shoulder and a smile from someone close by.

 

“The best kind of people are the ones that come into your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that believe in your so much, you start to believe in you too. The people that love you, simply for being you. The ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ kind of people.” — Unknown.

 

I’m thankful for our country and the precious liberties it yields. I’m thankful for our new president and the promises he vows to lift up, protect and enrich this great land of ours. I pray that those who have lost their zeal for this country find it and those who wish to do harm find decency.

 

"Every one of our greatest national treasures, our liberty, enterprise, vitality, wealth, military power, global authority, flow from a surprising source: our ability to give thanks." — Tony Snow.

 

I’m thankful for my faith, my church and my relationship with Jesus Christ. I pray that those who feel neglected, broken, hurt and alone will give their lives over to the one who protects, cares, restores, fulfills, inspires, empowers and loves.

 

“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Than call on me when you are in trouble and I will rescue you and you will give me glory.” — Psalm 50:14,15.

 

We may not always be in the spirit of thankfulness in our day-to-day routines, but I pledge that at the end of the day, when my head hits my pillow after dealing with unique circumstances and challenges, I will still start my nightly prayers with a spirit of thankfulness.

 

I pray others will too.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!