Although we should remember the significance of all our holidays, I believe that Thanksgiving is the holiday which should be used for a time of quiet reflection. We would all do well to pause and remember those brave souls who risked their lives to travel to a new and uncharted land in search of freedom. A freedom which oftentimes we now all take for granted. I hope that you will gather with your family and friends and take a moment to reflect, remember, and give thanks.
Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather together and express gratitude for all that we have been given, the freedoms we enjoy, and the loved ones who enrich our lives. We recognize that all of these blessings, and life itself, come not from the hand of man but from Almighty God.
Every year around Thanksgiving, we are reminded about the things for which we are thankful. As every year, I am thankful for my family, health, friends old and new. I’m thankful for life itself, and everything that we are able to do and accomplish.
This is also a time to think about those less fortunate than ourselves. This is the time to consider offering our time to volunteer in our community or making a donation to our favorite charity. There are many volunteering opportunities right here in our city.
Let us take a moment during this Thanksgiving holiday season to reflect on our lives and on our blessings. We have endured hardships this past year. Our economy has not been as vibrant as in years past. Property values are low and many are unemployed. Many of us have lost loved ones, or have faced other personal crises. We grieve with our friends and neighbors over their losses and problems, but we rejoice with them in their good times. And yet, we are blessed to live in a city where we can learn from, and appreciate, the differences which make us unique.
Take the time to thank God for all of the blessings in your life. For some, the blessings may seem sparse this year, but that just means that we need to reflect deeper to find the good in our lives. Everyone has something to be thankful for: Our freedom as Americans, the love of family and friends. Be thankful for the things in your life that you wouldn’t want to live without. It is easier at this time of year. But let Thanksgiving be the start of a new outlook – a reconfigured attitude toward the events in the past and what the future holds.
Additionally, we are privileged to live in the City of West Park. We are fortunate to have a Commission and Staff who are committed to providing the best service possible to our citizens. People of all races, ages and socio-economic levels come together annually at the Mary Kendrick’s “Feed the Needy Feast” where they give love offerings to help the seniors in our community. We live in a community that finds time to laugh and enjoy life. We have many blessings, large and small. The list is endless. Only when we begin to take stock, do we realize just how blessed we truly are. I encourage you to also think about our community’s needs and find the time, or the money, to give back.
I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving, and wish you and your families all the best during this holiday season!
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city.
I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
