The Thanksgiving holiday is in the rearview mirror and I have just finished off the last of the turkey and dressing leftovers. As it is every year at this time, I like to look back and reflect on the many blessings God has blessed me with. I do not know about you, but sometimes I need a reminder of how fortunate or blessed I am, and more times than not, I take things for granted. It would be very easy for me to focus on the devastation and destruction left behind by hurricane Michael, but I want to focus on the positive side of 2018.

First and foremost, I thank God for the healthy and long life he has blessed me with. I am blessed and thankful for my wife and children and relatives who have supported me and made daily sacrifices during my 36 plus years in law enforcement. I am thankful for the great group of employees at the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office who work tirelessly to serve our community. I am also grateful to all of our public safety personnel from the various agencies in our area who work together to provide a safer Dougherty County. I am indebted to you, the concerned citizen, and want to thank you for the support you give to the men and women in the public safety arena. I am also grateful and indebted to live in the greatest country on our planet, a country that continues to strive toward world peace. I thank every man and woman who has donned a military uniform or is currently protecting our country on the front lines so I may enjoy my freedom. I also thank the public servants from our President and government officials on the national scene all the way down to the state and local level. I am also grateful for the many citizens that pray for the safety of our law enforcement personnel on a daily basis.

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 only have one opportunity to pass through this life, so remember to be thankful for each and every day that God blesses you with. I was reminded of this recently when I heard an old gospel song titled “Give Thanks”. The song thanked God for the roof over my head, a place to lay my head, food on my table, and shoes on my feet. Blessings that we must never take for granted because many people in our world today do not have these necessities. Let’s never forget to count our many blessings.

Also, during this season, remember those who have lost loved ones this year and will be spending his or her first Christmas alone. The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office is here to protect and serve you. Let us know if we can keep a check on your house while you are away for the holidays. Please call us at (229) 430-6508 or (229) 431-3259 if we can be of any assistance. You may also visit us on facebook. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!