Do you want to force yourself to think about something? I mean cause yourself to really put some serious consideration into some issue that has a myriad of facets?

Just take the time to sit down and write about it.

Perhaps more than any other process or method of deep thought, putting pen to paper (or tapping across the keyboard) forces you to really analyze an issue.

It was almost two years ago to the day — I had been here at Leader a little more than two months — when I sat down to write about the many things for which I am thankful. I thought about it for several hours, not wanting to miss anything.

It surprised me a little this week when I revisited that list and realized the bulk of that list has not changed.

Although you could argues some are superficial or basic “no brainers,” here they are again:

• I am thankful for God and simply being here on this earth.

• I am thankful to my parents for instilling values in me that helped me be successful professionally and in life.

• I am thankful for my wonderfully supportive wife who helped me change my life when I was at personal crossroads and to whom I owe much of any success I have achieved.

• I am thankful for my two beautiful and healthy daughters.

• I am thankful for the opportunity to join some great communities in southwest Michigan. The welcome has been great so far.

• I am thankful for some great co-workers at Leader Publications who make going to the office each day a positive experience.

• I am thankful for the vision of our founding fathers, men who developed a system of government built on freedoms that have made America the greatest country in the world.

• I am thankful for all the men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the military to defend those freedoms.

If I was going to add to the list, here are a few new reasons to give thanks:

• I am thankful for all the great friends we have made in our new home.

• I am thankful for the amazing educators who help shape my children, giving selflessly to the development of our youth.

• I am thankful for the business and community leaders who make many sacrifices to create a better place to live. That goes for all the men and women who volunteer to give back to the community and expect nothing in return.

• I am thankful that, once a year, we can put a giant turkey on the table and eat until we can barely move. Millions of people, including many right here in southwest Michigan, are not that fortunate. We must not forget about helping those people.

• I am thankful that, despite the war and suffering in this world, that things can and will get better.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers. Hope you have a joyous day filled with food, family and fellowship.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.