Randy Young
As I've shared before, as I grow older I sure do appreciate Thanksgiving more and more. Nestled in between the glitz of Halloween and the business of Christmas, Thanksgiving is a chance to simply express gratitude.
As a kid, I was always fascinated with “old folks” and how they could fall asleep right after eating Thanksgiving dinner. “How in the world can they do that?,” I used to ask. Now I've arrived at the place where if I get settled for five minutes after eating, I am out like a cheap light bulb.
To be sure, as I grow older, I am so much more appreciative of the opportunity to have a life blessed enough to be thankful.
We all seem to focus so much on the negative these days. Lots of that, I think, is to be blamed on the media. You pay too much attention to the news channels and you'll be so depressed you'll want to beat your head on a wall.
When we are able to step back and focus on the things that really, really matter in this life, things seem so much brighter.
I was watching this "World War II in HD" show last week on the History Channel where color footage from WWII was featured along with stories of battles like Iwo Jima, Normandy, Saipan and others. I found myself thinking there just aren't enough “thank yous” in the universe to thank that generation for what they did.
But you know what? They saw something that had to be faced and flat did it. Was it easy? Heck no, it wasn't. But the good things, the best things in life, are never easy or free. I think there may be a lesson in there for America today.
So, just what I am thankful for?
n my wife, who puts up with her husband and all that comes along with it
n my kids, who put a smile on my face and a glow in my heart after even the most difficult day
n my dog, who can't wait to see me after three days or three minutes
n a God who loves all, including fools like me
n our community, a great place to raise a family because it still gives a rip about the simple things in life
n children who say “yes sir,” “no ma'am,” “thank you” and “please” without having to be told to do so
n mamas and daddies who hold their kids accountable for their actions and let them learn from the mistakes they make
n people who can grow roses successfully (does not include me)
n the quiet solitude found while mowing on a riding lawn mower
n all the people who do the right things in life but never get the headlines for any of them
n the sweet smell of tea olives
n sweet tea, barbecue and sopping biscuits
n the opportunity of being an American
n the privilege of being a Southerner
n the sacrifice of men (and women) in generations past who weren't afraid to make a stand for liberty and the right of independence from government tyranny
n my truck, with 117,000 miles and still going strong
n my school, and the great bunch of people working and learning in it
n my students, 98 percent of whom do all they can to help me and who are going to be just fine in life
n being a teacher and having the opportunity to help shape a life or two
n the chance to be the radio voice for one of the best high school football programs anywhere for the last 25 or so years
n football practice on Thanksgiving
n our football stadiums, which on Friday nights becomes this community's church where race, religion and social status become secondary to being a Yellow Jacket, Bulldog, or Syrupmaker
n this year’s Central football team and coaches, who once again have proven how the experts quite often have no clue about that which they claim expertise
n the opportunity to speak with you here every week, and hear from many of you, including the ravers — and the ranters
n the privilege to have more blessings than I'll ever deserve, and can only hope to be worthy of
And those are just a few of the things I am thankful for. If you don't do anything else this Thanksgiving, sit down and make your list of the things you are thankful for.
You just might be surprised at how thankful you should be, too. Take a moment to look upward and say a simple 'thank you' when you can.
Happy Thanksgiving.
