This morning as Americans celebrate a day of Thanksgiving, we want to pause to consider all of the many blessings we have.

First, we’re blessed to be alive and living in such a wonderful place. Even with all of our “warts” there is no other place like the Miss-Lou. It’s home and that feeling is like no other. From the natural beauty all around us to the amazing people that we call our neighbors, this area is unique and charming.

We’re blessed to live in a country in which individual rights are still precious and protected. As much as we often fuss about our government, it’s still the best in the world.

We pause this morning to remember and thank the many men and women who protect our freedoms at home and abroad. The members of our nation’s military are truly special people and certainly deserve our thanks.

We’re thankful for the countless volunteers such as Louis Gunning at the Natchez Stew Pot and all the people involved in the United Way and other charitable agencies.

Their work in our community is perhaps the biggest and best economic development input we’ve ever felt.

And lastly, but most important, we are thankful for the blessings God has given us, especially the “reason for the season,” the birth of whom we’ll celebrate next month.

Please have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Day with you and your family.