A thankful perspective

It's very easy to get wrapped up in the daily chaos of our own world and lose sight of what is truly important. What truly matters. What truly makes a difference in our own life and the lives of others.
Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on those questions. For me the answers are simple.
Family is what is important. Faith is important. Laughter is beyond important. Good friends are important. A job to come to every day is important. A community that cares about its residents is important.
And being thankful for all of this is vital in maintaining proper perspective.
I've been reminded of this recently. Last year held a lot of hard "firsts" for my family. The first Thanksgiving without my Dad. The first Christmas without him. Birthdays without him. Tough, as millions of people know. Really tough. As I type this, my best friend is losing her own father right now. The holidays for her sweet family will be difficult this year.
Perhaps what I am most thankful for right now is the perspective that allows me to see the blessings I still have. And there are many.
My Mom. My sister and her family. My brothers and their families. And of course the man I call best friend and husband.
And this job. I'm thankful that I can work in my profession and serve the community in various ways.
I'm thankful for the staff here - Melany Preece, Carrie Boe and our relative newcomer Rick Hanners. We work hard as a team, but always find time to laugh. And always find the grace to support one another when life gets tough.
It's hard to ask for more than that.