Gratitude is such a simple word with such a complex meaning. Defining it is difficult to do without using the words “thankful” or “grateful.” Maybe not surprisingly, the word gratitude comes from the Latin word “gratus,” which means “pleasing” or “thankful.” And, yes, it is a feeling of appreciation for someone or something, but it is more than that.
As Thanksgiving time rolls around again this year, we often think of gratitude and what we are truly thankful for. When asked, most of us immediately respond with family, or friends or good health. And, certainly, those are all things we should be grateful for.
Then, there are some things we too often take for granted that we should also be grateful for. A job that provides us with a steady income. Safety in our neighborhoods. A quality education system. The freedom to practice the religion of our choice. Access to modern medicine. Clean water and clean air.
Yes, we strive to improve all these things, and we should. But, we sometimes need to slow down and reflect on how good we actually have it right now, too. We don’t need our parents or grandparents to tell us how much easier things are today. If we are being honest, we already know.
As we inch up on the five-year anniversary of the date when we purchased Lake Panorama Times, I am thankful for the opportunity to bring you this publication and the Times Vedette, Panora Times and Guthrie Center Times, as well as the many affiliated publications we now produce here. I appreciate your following. I also truly appreciate the advertising support from the local business owners and managers who promote their goods and services with us to inspire all of you to buy from them. And, I hope you do.
So, I ask you to join me in taking a deep breath right now and looking around. Then show some appreciation to the people who created scenarios so you can truly enjoy all that Lake Panorama — and this big world — offers us. Think about the things in your life that you are grateful for. Observe the beauty of something you encounter every day. Thank some people for the positive influences they have had on you. Do something kind for another person. Meditate or pray with a focus on giving thanks. And, most importantly, pay attention to the smallest things in your life that bring you joy and peace.
I wish you a joyous Thanksgiving, and, as always, I thank you for reading.
Shane Goodman
Editor and Publisher
Lake Panorama Times
641-332-2707
shane@gctimesnews.com