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Tomorrow, of course, is Thanksgiving Day.
As Americans have done since the nation's earliest days, it is appropriate, as George Washington proclaimed in 1789, "to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."
There is much for which to be grateful.
Despite the disrupting challenge of what is now being dubbed "The Great Recession" with its many frustrations, America remains a resilient nation blessed with extraordinary abundance. Although the unemployment rate is at its highest point in decades, remarkably few Americans go without food and shelter. There is water to drink and clothing to wear. Even during these difficult times, life for most of us goes on with only a degree of inconvenience as opposed to unbearable tribulations.
Certainly, for those who do suffer and are struggling for whatever reason, there can and should be humble prayers for relief. Reaching out to the downtrodden is the American way. Moreover, it is what Utahns typically do.
Foremost, though, and in keeping with tomorrow's holiday, there should be abundant expressions of gratitude. The more grateful we are for what we have, the more successful we'll become in finding solutions to the challenges we face.
