A lot has changed in the past year! A year ago the economy was much stronger, it was much easier to find a job, and generally speaking people felt pretty good about where our nation was headed. It is amazing how quickly things can change. As I write this there are people all throughout our region and our nation who have been laid off or can't find work, others who are retired and on fixed incomes have watched as their retirement accounts and 401k's have shrunk to a fraction of what they were just twelve months ago. Yes indeed, these are trying times and many of us are concerned about what the future may bring. In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty that most of us currently face it is easy to become frustrated and even fearful about what the future holds.

     But we need to remember that it could be worse. That's right! It could be much worse and although our lives may have been disrupted by the failing job market or the falling stock market we need to remember that as bad as things may be now we are fortunate to have what we do. As Americans we enjoy a standard of living that many can only dream about. Many people in third world countries from Mexico to India would give nearly anything  to simply live in this country; let alone own a home or have a regular job in America, the land of opportunity. While I sympathize with the difficulties that all Americans face in this time of difficulty, I believe that we need to count our blessings, especially now when we are faced with great challenges like the ones we face today.

     I know it can be hard to count your blessings when you can't figure out how you are going to pay the bills but we need to try. The reality is that from air conditioning to shoes on our feet and a thousand others luxuries we enjoy as Americans we have it better than 90% of the world and that is something we ought to be very thankful for. This holiday season there may not be as many gifts under the tree, there may not be as much food in the cupboard, and there may not be as much money in your bank account but there is still plenty to be thankful for. Look around you and consider how much God has blessed you this year and be thankful! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!