Happy Thanksgiving; Have Fun, Be Safe

Linda and I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving. This year, our families have decided to hold separate individual family gatherings to ensure we all stay safe from the coronavirus. We are saddened by this, but we all feel comfortable that it is the right thing. We are also already making plans for a great family gathering of Thanksgiving once the pandemic danger is over – regardless of the date.

2020 has proven to be a challenging year. And yet, there is evidence everywhere we look of the many blessings God has bestowed upon us, our families, and our communities. I hope we can all reflect on these blessings and express gratitude and thanks during this holiday time.

I say this knowing many people are suffering, who are sick with COVID and other ailments, people who are without work, people who are sad and hurting, and people who are alone. Let’s remember all of these people. Let’s serve them, help them, and pray for them. We are good people, giving people, let’s increase those attributes as never before to help those in need. As we count our blessings, let’s remember to be a blessing to others.

A global religious leader, President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently encouraged the people of the world to focus on the things in our lives we are grateful for and to share them on social media with the hashtag #givethanks. He also invited everyone to pray daily, thanking God for our blessings. He said, “Prayers can bring forth miracles.” I believe this to be true. He also publicly gave a beautiful prayer for the world.

It is our prayer that this Thanksgiving – the Thanksgiving of 2020 – you may each be blessed, you may each be a blessing to others, and may God bless us all.