Just when I start getting used to writing “2017” on my checks, the year is almost over! November is here and with it, one of my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving. This is a uniquely American holiday set aside as a time for us to give thanks for all of the blessings in our lives. I know there are a handful of other countries that have thanksgiving-type holidays; basically harvest festivals. As far as I know, only our holiday celebrates an attitude of thanksgiving. Only ours is specifically meant to thank God for the many blessings He bestows on us.

Thanksgiving is a holiday with very deep meaning for me personally. My life has been so blessed in so many ways that it takes a special time of reflection to recount them all. I am thankful for my family, from my parents and all others who came before that created the traditions I have been taught and the values that I was raised with. I am also thankful for my siblings that helped shape both my childhood and my life, for my wife and children who have enriched my life beyond measure, and for my grandchild who reminds me that my time here is just one step in a continuing legacy.

I have been blessed in my career. I am incredibly blessed by the trust and confidence you have given me by electing me to serve you as Sheriff. I am especially thankful for the opportunity to work with the youth of our community. Every child I have encountered has touched my heart and life in a special way. In fact, I have been blessed by each assignment given to me from the moment I first came to work as a jailer in 1982. Every assignment, every challenge, and every interaction helped to shape me into the man I am today and I am thankful for every bit of it – even if I didn’t recognize some things as blessings at the time.

My sincere hope for this Thanksgiving is that every person who reads this article has the opportunity to really examine their life and recount all of the things that have turned out to be blessings. Some things are obvious, like the birth of a child or a promotion at work. Some may not be as apparent, like losing a job, which creates an opportunity to begin a more rewarding career; or an argument with a loved one that clears up an unresolved issue and brings you closer. Many blessings are hidden just beneath a thin layer of life.

One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in the book of 1^st Thessalonians 5:16-18. Paul is exhorting the brethren by telling them to, “rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” All of us have only one opportunity at the game called life, so remember to be thankful for each and every day that God blesses you with. If we can ever be of service to you, please contact my office at 229-431-3259, and God bless!