Remembering the spirit of Thanksgiving

Every Thanksgiving, we're reminded to focus on the blessings for which we should be grateful. This coming weekend, I'm looking forward to reflecting on everything for which I'm thankful: a loving wife and family, good health, and the privilege of working with a great team.

It can sometimes be challenging to remember to slow down and recognize just how fortunate we all are. Today's world is complex and unpredictable, and it seems like the media only highlights the latest instances of violence, tragedy or conflict. It's often easy to get discouraged and to focus only on the negative.

Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to put all of the turbulence in perspective and to instead concentrate on all the good in the world. This is a holiday about seeking out and helping those who aren't as lucky, setting aside our differences, and celebrating whatever means the most to each of us, to our families and to our communities.

There's a Sioux proverb that reminds us how the multitude of groups who will gather for Thanksgiving this week are all bound together:

With all things and in all things, we are relatives.

Whether you're staying close to home or traveling, spending time with loved ones or serving those in need, I wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.