Giving Thanks For Things Which Really Matter

With this column being written prior to Tuesday night it allows us a chance to take a breather from politics.

Believe it not there are plenty of other items going on and it is nice to think about them for a little while at least. Certainly 2020 has been an unusual and outright odd and stressful year. Many can’t wait for it to end.

Politics have become such a nasty endeavor it’s difficult at times to wonder why so many (myself included) pay such close attention.

One thing that the calendar does tell us is that we are now in November. It’s a month of giving thanks and a time when we should remember all that life has blessed us with.

It’s human nature to think about the negative. If you turn on the television you are slapped in the face again and again with negative images. It has certainly long ago gotten old.

With that in mind let’s pause and give thanks for the big things and not so big things in our daily lives. For example, in November 2020 I offer thanks for:

• The first areas of blue sky which return after an extended rain.

•Family support throughout my 49 years.

•A peaceful afternoon nap to rest the body and mind.

•The time when the phone rings and it is someone who actually knows me.

•A text from a friend simply asking how you are doing.

•A movie made in 2020 that is not a remake of an old one.

•When the power doesn’t go out during a violent thunderstorm or, worse, a winter snow storm.

•For the political candidate who remembers at least some of the promises made once in office.

•That a few of us still enjoy reading a newspaper the way it should be read: by turning the actual pages.

•For coaching characters like Mike Leach because it’s never a dull moment with him, regardless of whether his team wins or loses.

•The pothole in the road once it is no longer there.

•The nail that doesn’t find a home in my tire.

•A classic movie that we have seen 50 times but don’t mind watching again.

•A parent who takes the time to stop you and thank you for a kind word written about their child in the paper.

•Childhood friends who remain friends today.

•The orange, red and yellow colors of fall and how they paint the landscape similar to an artist’s work on canvas.

•Re-runs of the Andy Griffith Show, Perry Mason and Matlock to name only a few.

•And finally, the fact that one or two of you read these words each week. I thank you sincerely.

We’ll return to our political talk when we meet again. Something tells me we will have plenty to discuss.

Monticello native Chris Bridges has contributed to The Monticello News since 1988. You can email comments about this column to pchrisbridges@gmail.com.