As we approach Thanksgiving, there is much to be thankful for. Of course, there are the usual things; family friends, food, our health and homes etc. However, there is much more to be grateful for – if only we would take a moment to stop and think about things.
We just went through an election. It was free and fair. There are always mistakes, foibles and fumbles in any large human undertaking like a nationwide election involving hundreds of millions of citizens but here in America we have the privilege of choosing our own leaders, being able to voice our dissent without fear of imprisonment, torture or death as well as being constantly capable of changing our minds and our nation’s course with the next election. That’s not a pleasure that every country on the face of the Earth enjoys. The peaceful transfer of power is nothing to be sneezed at or taken for granted. This election was, our past elections have been, and future elections will always be free and fair as long as we cherish true democracy. There will always be the occasional whiner or sore loser from time to time but that doesn’t automatically mean that the process itself was tainted or unfair.
In Mitchell we have several civic organizations that make our community a better place to live in. We had the State Amateur Baseball Tournament in Mitchell this last summer which required a tremendous amount of work, coordination and volunteers. Without folks like Jim Johnston of Harves and organizations like the Exchange Club, where would that event be? We can be thankful for the vision of Red Cadwell and the City Council for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of the Cadwell complex over the years.
There are volunteer organizations like the Area Community Theater that enrich our lives through recreational opportunities, traveling shows and performances. The Shriners do the Lord’s work when it comes to children’s charities in general and specifically in making the annual arrival of the circus possible. Groups like Big Friend, Little Friend and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) improve the lives of children. While they’re not volunteer organizations, Life Quest and Abbott House work to give people who have had tough breaks a chance in life. There are many, many more groups, organizations and individuals that toil every day to make things better for others.
Events don’t just happen; people make them happen. There are bigger and smaller things that enrich our community life. One of the smaller ones I suppose is the tour of trees at Bonnie’s Dekor. I miss the Tannenbaum Festival (old timers will remember that holiday event) and the tour of trees is a nice substitute this time of year. Other events like the Parade of Lights create a festive atmosphere but also require a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes. The list of other happenings, civic and otherwise, that exist only because of the persistence and sweat of hard working concerned citizens is a long one.
Main Street and Beyond, the Chamber of Commerce and to a lesser extent the City of Mitchell itself work hard to keep the City economically vibrant. The City does its bit with infrastructure projects, sound fiscal and supportive policies while the other entities do the hard work of business promotion, recruitment and retention. We should be thankful for the entrepreneurs on Main Street and those throughout the community who create employment, maintain the store fronts, generate tax revenue, support local schools, causes and charities and who help to keep our communities healthy, strong and vibrant. They deserve our support in return. Remember to shop and buy local this holiday season, especially on shop local Saturday, November 26th.
Thanksgiving is about family to be sure. Naturally it is about the feast and fellowship around the table. Often it is about football and family grievances as well. This thanksgiving look beyond those at the dinner table to the wider world around you and give thanks that you live in the greatest country in the world. We are great because of our military might, yes. We are great because of our political system and our shared commitment to democratic principles and constitutional freedoms, of course. We are also great because of the millions of individuals who toil unnoticed, unacknowledged and largely unappreciated every day to make life better, easier more enjoyable and humane for others. Be thankful for anonymous angels around you doing good and consider becoming one yourself.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Is a quote attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt, others have repeated it over the years. It is one of my favorite quotes. Another favorite of mine is by Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” A person doesn’t have to do everything but if all of us did something, that would go a long way to solving the various problems of our communities, State, region and nation. I’m thankful for all of you who do what you can, when you can, where you are.
I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving as well as good weather and a safe journey if you are traveling.