While this is a day that tradition calls for to give thanks, there are many people in the nation for whom giving thanks -- have lost their homes, their jobs, need healthcare, depend on food pantries, have lost a loved one serving in the military, etc. -- seems an odd thing to do this day.

Yet, Thanksgiving Day is not just a day to be thankful for material goods. It's a day to be thankful for the fact that we can appreciate the company of family and friends, thankful that we have the capacity for optimism which lets us know things will get better, thankful that while tomorrow will come with new challenges, those challenges will be met and resolved.

Thanksgiving Day is the day to give thanks for what we have had, what we do have and what we know we will have again.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to everyone!