Extend thankfulness to those around you

We’ve officially entered the season of thanks and good tidings.

This week, we will pack up cars, tidy our homes and fire up the ovens to celebrate Thanksgiving and after that, the focus turns to the winter holidays.

This time of year is meant for us to celebrate what we have. Health, family, careers, wealth and possessions are all worthy of a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.

Sometimes, it’s easy to want more and feel like what we have isn’t adequate. Not many have gone through their lives without thinking they would like to have more money, have a bigger house or go on more extravagant vacations. These are hopes and goals that, while attainable, aren’t necessarily vital to life.

Sitting around a table with family and friends, reminiscing about the good times and the times ahead provide a physical reminder that what we have is enough for now. There’s always time to improve your life and strive for seemingly better things, but for just a few days over the next month, it’s important to stop and think about what you truly have.

Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to even have a table, or even family, to gather around this time of year. While the holidays are a time to celebrate all that we have, many can see it as a reminder of what they’ve lost. The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones, those who live in extreme poverty and all those who cannot celebrate the holidays for one reason or another.

Thankfully, we live in a community that does its best to make sure everyone has at least some sort of holiday joy. Toy, clothing and food drives throughout the area, free community meals sponsored by area organizations and free entertainment are available throughout the holiday season. Obviously, this doesn’t replace the needs of all those throughout the community, but it shows the human nature and giving spirit of the community. People donate time and resources to bring these celebrations to fruition and make sure everyone can have some cheerful light in a time that can be dark for many.

This holiday season, be thankful for not only what you have but what others around you have and what others around you do to make where you live a better place.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.