It is easy to spend each day thinking about the unfairness in the world, all the wrongs that sorely need righting, all the injustices that scream to be reversed, all the wars that seem to be lurking in the background, just waiting to erupt.

Yet, even as we ponder all that is awry in the world, we should also remember there is much to be thankful for each day.

As individuals, we are certainly thankful for our families – our parents, husbands and wives, children, brothers and sisters, grandparents and more. We are thankful to share this holiday with them, even when circumstances are less than ideal. It doesn’t take a mansion or a feast, sometimes just being together is enough.

We are thankful for friends and neighbors whose companionship and caring make life better in immeasurable ways.

We are thankful for coworkers who strive with us toward a common goal – be it making a better hamburger or putting out a daily newspaper.

We are thankful for strangers who often come to the aid of those in need for no other reason than it’s simply the right thing to do.

We must be thankful for our country that, despite its imperfections, is still the beacon for hope and freedom throughout the world.

We are thankful for the right to worship as we please, live where we please and, perhaps most of all, vote for whom we please.

We are thankful for those who have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place for us all – from presidents and prime ministers to those who serve on city councils.

We are thankful for doctors, nurses, dentists and other health care personnel whose lives are dedicated to easing the pain of others.

We are thankful for firefighters and police officers, for EMTs and safety officials who face danger every day to make our lives safer.

We are thankful for those in uniform who have offered to protect our peace and our nation, often with their lives.

We are thankful for spring flowers, summer rain, autumn leaves and winter snow – all made by a power much greater than man.

We are thankful for the many differences in all of us – form the color of our skin to the leanings of our politics. Without those differences, how dull life would be.

And we are thankful that we can say these things out loud or on paper without fear of reprisal or riots erupting in the streets.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.