As another whirlwind year nears its close, it’s tempting to focus on what went wrong. In a divided country, the division only grew larger.
The headlines have been a relentless carousel of political discord, economic uncertainty, social unrest, and climate crises. There is a temptation to feel as though the fabric of American life is fraying under the weight of division and discontent.
Yet, even amid turmoil, there are profound reasons to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
In fact, it is precisely during turbulent times that gratitude becomes most vital. In doing so, we should not gloss over hardships, but instead, use turbulent times as a lens that reveals the resilience, hope, and humanity that endure in the face of adversity.
Gratitude, after all, is not about ignoring the challenges we face. It is about recognizing the blessings that persist despite them. And as Americans, we are uniquely blessed in ways that continue to shine, even when the glare of discord threatens to overshadow them.
America’s diversity has always been one of its greatest strengths, even if it often feels like the source of our deepest conflicts. This year has reminded us that disagreement does not, and should not, immediately equate to division.
While the modern news cycles synthesize only the most virulent crises, across the country, people have come together to engage in constructive dialogue, to protest for justice, and to work toward solutions to pressing problems.
Communities of every stripe have rallied to support one another, whether by rebuilding after natural disasters, feeding the hungry, or offering shelter to refugees.
Our democratic system, for all its imperfections, remains a platform where voices can indeed be heard and change can still be demanded. Even locally, though citizens sometimes have expressed concern about whether local leaders were truly “listening” to them, there can be change.
The mere act of voting, as millions of Americans have done this year, is itself a profound act of gratitude for a system that—while flawed—allows in itself the possibility of renewal. In a world where many lack any such opportunities, our ability to participate in shaping the future is a privilege worth cherishing and for which gratitude is again overly justified.
The American spirit is nothing if not resilient. In 2024, we’ve seen countless examples of individuals rising above their circumstances to help others and push for progress. Consider the healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, and volunteers who continue to show up day after day, even when the odds are stacked against them.
While the Los Al Chamber honors them each year, their quiet, and daily, dedication reminds us that the strength of a nation is measured not just by its policies, but by the compassion and determination of its people.
Despite perceived economic challenges, America remains a land of immense abundance.
This year, farmers, grocers, and local food banks worked tirelessly to ensure that families could gather around tables filled with sustenance and love.
Amid global supply chain disruptions, our nation’s ingenuity has kept shelves stocked and businesses running, even if rising prices has met with universal displeasure.
Moreover, the spirit of giving remains alive and well. Donations to charitable causes, both large and small, have surged this year, proving that Americans are still willing to extend a hand to those in need. Gratitude, when practiced collectively, transforms into generosity—a force that sustains not only individuals but entire communities.
Perhaps the greatest reason to be thankful is the enduring promise of a better tomorrow. Each new generation brings fresh perspectives, ideas, and energy. Young people across America are stepping up to tackle issues ranging from climate change to racial inequality, showing a commitment to making the world a better place.
The pages of our newspaper have been filled again with stories about the promise of a new generation. Their passion is a reminder that progress is possible and that the story of America is far from finished.
To be grateful in times of chaos is not to ignore the difficulties we face; rather it is to affirm that our greatest difficulties refuse to define us. Gratitude is an act of resistance against despair. It is a way of reclaiming joy, even when the world feels heavy. And as Americans, we have so much to be grateful for: our freedoms, our communities, our ability to dream and strive for something better.
This Thanksgiving, let us take a moment to breathe deeply and reflect on the good that persists amid the chaos. Let us give thanks for the people who inspire us, the opportunities we have, and the hope that sustains us. Gratitude, after all, is not just a feeling, it is a choice. And in choosing gratitude, we choose to see the light that shines through the cracks.
Though hard to recognize, taken in the right perspective, we are living in a constant season of gratitude. As a community and as a nation, we are living along a continuum that is always, by definition, a work in progress.Perhaps gratitude is about more than what we have, it is inherently who we are. So. during this Thanksgiving holiday, maybe we can try to find the light shining through the cracks to celebrate each other, who we are, and what we can still become…together.
Happy Thanksgiving.
David N. Young was awarded 3rd place by the Orange County Press Club as one of three in 2024 who qualified for the Dan McQuay Award for “Best Columnist.”