Thanksgiving is a time when I try to pause from the daily tides of life – to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for, to remember those less fortunate and to resolve in the coming year to try to do my part in endeavoring to make the world a better and more equitable place.

I am thankful for gathering with my loving family while recognizing many others are lonely or are suffering through personal tragedies, or for whom family has been a cause of pain and not love.

I am thankful for the bounty of our table while reflecting on all those who go hungry on this day and throughout the year.

I am thankful for the warmth and security of my home and neighborhood while knowing that many families and children in America and around the world must huddle to avoid the bite of the winter air and the threat of violence.

I am thankful that I have been able to enjoy a career from which I never want to retire while understanding that many must earn a living through dangerous, difficult and back-breaking work.

I am thankful for a life of good health, while well aware of all those who suffer through the pain and capriciousness of terminal illness.

I am thankful for having been born in a land that granted me freedom and opportunity, having seen how many of my fellow citizens and certainly many millions more around the globe seem trapped by the circumstances of their birth.

This is only a partial list that could stretch on with dozens more entries. If you would like to add to it, please do so in the comments section. I know that these are deeply troubling times but the struggle for a better nation and world must start with recognizing that many of start from a place of privilege and strength.

May this day be one of peace and reflection for you and your loved ones. And may I add that I am deeply thankful for all of you who are helping make this one of the most edifying, and certainly surprising, chapters of my life.

(Note: This was first published November 24, 2016)