A Prayer for Safety this Thanksgiving Day

by Gary Toebben

Thanksgiving is an important day on the American calendar, both for our nation, and for each of us as individuals, families and businesses. It is a collective opportunity to express appreciation for all that we have, whether that is a little or a lot.

This year, Thanksgiving seems even more essential. Eleven days ago in Paris, people just like you and me were attacked by ruthless terrorists who epitomized the exact opposite of Thanksgiving. Instead of being thankful for their families and friends, these terrorists killed and wounded families and friends who were enjoying each other on a peaceful fall evening.

These vicious acts of terrorism reminded me of how appreciative each of us should be for our safety, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day. Every day we rely on men and women in uniform to keep our homes, neighborhoods and gathering places safe. We also rely on people who are monitoring phone calls, emails, social media and the daily behavior of those who would do us harm.

This Thanksgiving Day, add these patriots to your list of blessings for which to be thankful. And say a prayer asking for peace and protection for your family, friends and fellow sojourners on this earth in the year ahead.

We have so much to be thankful for that can’t be measured in dollars and cents. Families, friends and safety are at the top of that list. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving for 2015; and I thank the members of the Chamber for their involvement and support throughout the year.

And that's The Business Perspective.