Opinion: Tis the season for giving our thanks

Now that the end of November draws nigh, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, it is time for us to put Mother Nature down for her long winter nap and commence the Thanksgiving/Christmas festivities, this time with spirits flowing. Seriously, now is one of my favorite times of the year, when we can come together as friends and family and quietly celebrate the goodness and wholesomeness that life in our town has to offer.

Folks in Donley County are, for the most part, really good people. Our town and the surrounding area are full of people who are solid citizens and stable neighbors, with values that focus on Christian service and helping each other through difficult times. As beautiful as our land and sunsets are – and they are magnificent – they pale in comparison to the people who inhabit this land we call the Texas Panhandle.

Now that the crops are coming in (once again, Mother Nature has blessed us with a bountiful harvest indeed) our farmers and ranchers can take a step back, catch their breath for a bit, and enjoy the fruits of their labors. They will be able to spend a bit more money with our local merchants, and the economic bounty of this area should expand and provide everyone with a little more.

No matter what is going on in the world and the rest of America, life here is good, and should remain so long into the distant future. This time next week most of us will be sitting down to a nice Thanksgiving dinner, with plenty of turkey and trimmings to go around. While we are sitting down for dinner, and preparing our hearts and minds for the Thanksgiving blessing, let’s not forget those who may not be joining loved ones for this special feast. Many will be acting as sentinels of freedom and democracy in foreign lands, and some will be on duty in hostile environments. Let’s pour out our prayers for them, and their families and friends.

Even closer to home, right here in Donley County, Sheriff Butch Blackburn, his deputies, and our DPS troopers will be standing vigilant against those who would harm us or our loved ones. Our volunteer firemen will be ready to answer the call to hazardous duty in the event of an unexpected emergency.

Let’s all thank God for these people, people who sacrifice that we may have enhanced security and safety. Most importantly, let us thank our God for his goodness and his active presence in our lives. He always was, and will always be, our strength and the source of our salvation as a people and as a community of believers. I’m glad that our town knows the goodness that is God, and that we reflect His goodness in service and kindness to each another. I’m glad that our town is a faith filled town, a town that looks to God on High for guidance and direction. I’m glad that our town seeks to follow His divine will.

Then, next month, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. We don’t celebrate “Seasons Greetings.” We celebrate Christmas. If folks don’t think we are politically correct for celebrating Christmas, that’s okay. Let’s have confidence in their ability to deal with it. After all, it’s their problem, not ours.

Sure, we have a few differences of opinion; perhaps some are even passionate differences. Even so, our commonalities are vastly superior to our differences, and even though we may not always agree on matters of great import, we are a community of good people. Let’s not forget that and be thankful for each other.

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all.