One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the opportunity it offers most of us to take a little time away from the hustle and bustle to consider all the positive aspects of our lives.

Despite the increasing encroachment of the supposedly urgent Christmas shopping season, Thanksgiving may be the nation’s least commercialized holiday. It’s a time when most people gather with family or friends to enjoy a good meal and some time together.

Somewhere amid the dinner preparations, conversations with family, that big meal and maybe the nap afterward, we hope everyone will take a few minutes to reflect on the blessings of their lives. Some of them may be sitting in the room with you. Others may be on the phone calling to offer a holiday wish.

If it’s sunny today, maybe you’ll have a chance to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of nature. Given this year’s drought, a nice rain today might be an even better reason to give thanks. If you’re heading back to work tomorrow, be grateful that you have a job. If you have another day off, even better. Good health is an incredible gift, as is living in a country that celebrates democracy. Even if we aren’t completely happy with the outcome of recent elections, at least we all had a chance to voice our opinions.

If you still aren’t feeling good about your life, consider all of the people who aren’t as well off, all those who may be facing serious health issues or struggling to make ends meet — and especially people facing those circumstances without the support of close family or friends.

No one’s life is perfect, but Thanksgiving is the time to think less about what’s wrong and more about what’s right. We wish you all a happy holiday filled with great food and fellowship and a long list of blessings for the year ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving.