Today our country pauses to consider the many blessings we have.

Perhaps there’s no better time to survey where we are than when we’re facing a shaky economy and the continuing threat of global terrorism.

Even at the worst possible times — unemployment is sky high and the value of most retirement nest eggs has been turned back decades — America is still a great nation and we’re still a greatly blessed nation, too.

Earlier this month, our nation did what many other nations struggle to do — we allowed the people to choose their new leader and we did so without loss of life or any appreciable turmoil at all.

Beyond the national scope, we feel even more blessed to be able to call the Miss-Lou home. Sure, we have problems here and sure there may be places more prosperous in terms of industry and jobs.

But we’d challenge anyone to find an area with the quality of people we have here.

The Miss-Lou is special; from the natural beauty all around us to the amazing people that we call our neighbors this area is unique and charming.

As we remember all that we have to be thankful for this year, high on the list needs to be the men and women who protect our freedoms at home and abroad. Our nation’s military consists of special people who deserve our thanks.

But most important, we are thankful for the blessings God has given us. As we’re deep in the heart of the “holiday season” we’ll be richer if we remember who has given us all that we have.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day.