The Buzz ‘Tis the season to be thankful

By Marlene Bohr

Thanksgiving just seems to get squashed in between Halloween and Christmas, doesn’t it? I like the holiday for what it stands for, and we all should take time to reflect on its true meaning.
Back in the day when the Pilgrims came to America they sure were thankful they even lived through a year and had a harvest to enjoy. It had to be some mighty brave people that traveled over the ocean on that Mayflower. I don’t think I’d even get on a big, modern day boat out there where I couldn’t see land.
They looked to their creator for their lives and the harvest. They readily gave thanks to God for the harvest and the year of struggle to make this new land their home. It gives you a kind of a humbling feeling to think of their lives compared to ours today with all the technological wizardry we have at our disposal.
It is said that it is the simple things in life that count.
I think in the season of Thanksgiving, being thankful for the many things that bless our lives should be remembered and counted.
I know I am ever so grateful that I can worship my Father any time without anyone interfering. And how blessed and thankful I am that Jesus came to earth to save us. That is really awesome and makes me truly grateful.
Some days, when life isn’t as great as I think it should be, I start my gratitude list. It may read like I’m grateful I was able to get out of bed. I’m grateful I have a house. I’m grateful I have a vehicle. I’m grateful for a job. I’m grateful for the food I can fix at home or go out and get at a restaurant. I’m very grateful I have a dog as she is the absolute best person I know.
There are so many things we take for granted every day that we should remind ourselves to be grateful for, as there are many people who don’t have a home, don’t have food, don’t have a job. It’s staggering to think that exists in these great United States, but big-time media follows the homeless now and then so we know many do not even have a place to call home.
Not just at this time of year, but every day when we get to feeling sorry for ourselves or wish we had something else, we should be grateful just for the many things we do have. Just start a list. Write the simple things down and see how many things you have to be thankful for.
I am also grateful for many friends and family. With this job I have met many, many people I now consider friends that I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet. 
As we gather with family and friends on Thanksgiving, take time to be grateful for each little thing we have in our lives. Try to continue that motto throughout the year until next Thanksgiving rolls around. I think if you are always grateful, you’ll find things are pretty special in your world.