It’s Thanksgiving; time to savor our blessings

Gearing up for an intense political battle this coming year, presidential hopefuls are taking off the gloves. Growing throngs of disgruntled middle-class Americans are joining the Occupy movement that is becoming more than just an annoying thorn in the side for the corporate culture. The economy continues to flounder and gasoline prices are again threatening to break the $4 a gallon threshold.

As an independent nation, we value our freedom of speech and aren’t afraid to voice our discontent loudly. Given the current political and economic climate, it’s easy to forget how to humbly express gratitude for our good fortune. This isn’t always found in making a lot of money or climbing the corporate ladder. Today, on Thanksgiving, remember the blessing of simple things.

Too often in our pursuit of bigger TVs, new cars and more lavish homes we forget to be truly grateful for blessings such as good health, warm homes, our own beds, plenty of food, clean clothes and families and friends who love us.

As a community, we also have many shared blessings, such as:

• Thousands of local residents will have a nice, Thanksgiving dinner today thanks to the Valley Thanksgiving Blessing and local food bank efforts. The Blessing event alone gave food to nearly 1,100 families this past weekend, and will do it again before Christmas on Dec. 17. We are blessed to live in a community that helps each other.

• We have strong ties to those who sacrifice the most for our freedoms — the military. Like many people in Southcentral, the Valley is home to many families with members who put their lives at risk in our service. The Veterans Wall of Honor is a year-round tribute to those who serve. Today, especially we’re thankful for those who have sacrificed and those who continue to miss Thanksgiving with their families while serving. We also tip our hats to their families who face another holiday with an empty seat at their tables.

• Outstanding youth like Anthony Keller, the 15-year-old Wasilla teen who recently used CPR to save the life of a 5-year-old girl. Beyond his own family and friends, we’re certain there’s another family, and one little girl especially, who are thankful for Keller today.

• Efforts like the Blessing events and Christmas Friendship Dinner, which help Valley residents showcase their generosity and good will toward all. Events like this are a win-win — they are a blessing to those who give and those who receive.

• We’re thankful for organizations like the Coalition for Housing and Homelessness. Because of our rising up to respond to a growing need, more local youths and families will spend this Thanksgiving safely out of the elements.

• We’re thankful for public servants like teachers, policemen, firemen, emergency crews, doctors, nurses and oft-unsung heroes, like the linemen who brave the worst weather to restore power.

We’re all in the same boat — the same vehicle that cost $20 to fill with gas four years ago costs $60 to fill now. As a result, most of us now spend more on gas and everything from gum to Levi’s that is barged here and then transported by truck to retailers. We are all doing more with less.

It’s Thanksgiving and time to savor our blessings along with the turkey and side dishes.