Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together count their blessings.

While the year has brought with it economic decline and challenges, with unemployment hitting 25-year highs in most of the country, some families may be experiencing hard times.

Still, it’s important to take the time to be thankful for the blessings this year has provided, whether is be health, a nice Thanksgiving dinner or, perhaps hope and promises of better times ahead.

Perhaps, just being thankful for having the opportunity to spend with family.

After all, some families aren’t that blessed.

Whether it is that a family member lost his or her life this year or a military family with someone deployed overseas, the holidays can prove to be a trying time.

So, take a moment to be thankful for what you do have, whether small or large.

Many times we go weeks without stopping to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.

We do not pause to think that we woke up this morning, shared a warm breakfast with family or had a car to drive or job to go to.

While these may seem simple to some, there are many who do not share these simple luxuries ever.

So, tomorrow when you sit down with your family and friends to enjoy the scrumptious meal prepared for you, take a moment to remember how blessed you are.

Many people in the great nation aren’t so fortunate this year, so be thankful for every bite you take and every moment you are granted to spend with the people important to you.