Take time to give thanks

By Ken Tuck

Published: November 29, 2008

With all the headlines of doom and gloom about the economy, you would think there’s not much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend.

But, you really don’t have to look too hard to find an abundance of things for which to be thankful. Look at your 401k ... uh, never mind. Let’s move on.

Do you still have your health? If so, there’s one thing. Do you still have a roof over your head? Then, there’s another. Do you have money for food? Those are three things which most of us take for granted, but we shouldn’t. We should give thanks. Not everyone is so blessed.

I met two men this week who live in a tent here in Dothan, and they’re thankful for that. They don’t have a refrigerator and freezer filled with food. There are no cupboards in their tents with plenty of food. They have to rely on the kindness of friends and strangers.

It seems those who have the least tend to be the most thankful. It’s strange, but it’s human nature, I guess. We get spoiled easily and take the necessities for granted when others don’t know how or when they’re going to obtain those basic needs.

I’m thankful for many things. I’m thankful for my precious wife. She’s the love of my life and is the sweetest, kindest, most caring person I’ve ever known.

I’m thankful for all of our family. If not for the grace of God, this would have been the first Thanksgiving holiday without my mom. Thankfully, she’s going full steam ahead again.

My nephew and his National Guard unit were allowed to come home for the holiday before deploying for Iraq. I know he’s thankful for being home with family, and just as thankful to be able to watch his Crimson Tide play in Saturday’s Iron Bowl.

My wife and I are thankful to have spent some time this week with two of our nephews we haven’t seen in several years because they live in Maine.

I’m thankful for my job. In these dire economic times, people are losing jobs left and right. Just having a job is great, but having one that you enjoy is even better. Despite the tough times the newspaper industry is experiencing, I still enjoy my job and I’m thankful for the talented staff I’m blessed to work with every day.

I’m thankful for our church. The people at Harvest are some of the best you’ll ever meet.

I’m thankful for the ministry my wife and I have done this year. There’s just something about working with the homeless that’s very humbling and rewarding.

Most of all, I’m thankful for God’s grace and mercy. I’ve seen it over and over again throughout my life.

That’s just a short list, and it didn’t take long to think of it. So, no matter how tough of a time you are going through, there are still plenty of reasons to give thanks. And, always remember this — no matter how bad things are, there are always others who are in worse situations.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, and remember to take time to give thanks.

Ken Tuck is the managing editor of the Dothan Eagle and regional editor of Alabama Media General Newspapers. He can be reached at or 712-7960.