America is not without its tumult and tribulation; her citizenry is not without its share of troubles.

We hope, though, everyone is able to find something for which to be thankful on our national day of Thanksgiving.

We should be thankful, despite its rancor, that we have demonstrated how peaceful and orderly self-rule can be. The protests we have seen in our nation in the days since Election Day are miniscule compared to the violence we see around the world. Despite our economic struggles and the economic struggles of some in our midst, our nation thrives by most economic indicators. The quantity and variety of food on our tables today should be an ample reminder of our material gifts. Those of us lucky enough to spend the day with family and friends should be grateful for the people around us.

We are also thankful for those who give of themselves today to make sure the less fortunate are able to have a warm Thanksgiving meal and company on this day. We are thankful for the St. Susan Center and its dedicated volunteers who will forego dinner with their families to serve those who need a hand. We are thankful for all those who donated to the countless Thanksgiving food drives that provided a Thanksgiving meal to those who otherwise wouldn’t have one.

Our nation has work to do, as this election season has proven so clearly. We have division in our collective midst which must be healed and people who still need a hand up. As we give thanks today, let us also realize we must do more in the coming year to overcome areas where we have fallen short in the past. We should be thankful that we have the capability and the will to fix our problems.

Today, let us count our blessings. Tomorrow, let us begin making the changes locally, statewide and nationally to be sure even the poorest in our midst have more for which to be thankful next year.

Happy Thanksgiving.