As I've shared before, as I grow older I sure do appreciate Thanksgiving more and more. Nestled in between the glitz of Halloween and the business of Christmas, Thanksgiving is a chance to simply express gratitude.

As a kid, I was always fascinated with “old folks” and how they could fall asleep right after eating Thanksgiving dinner. “How in the world can they do that?,” I used to ask. Now I've arrived at the place where if I get settled for five minutes after eating, I am out like a cheap light bulb.

To be sure, as I grow older, I am so much more appreciative of the opportunity to have a life blessed enough to be thankful.

We all seem to focus so much on the negative these days. Lots of that, I think, is to be blamed on the media. You pay too much attention to the news channels and you'll be so depressed you'll want to beat your head on a wall.

When we are able to step back and focus on the things that really, really matter in this life, things seem so much brighter.

I was watching this "World War II in HD" show last week on the History Channel where color footage from WWII was featured along with stories of battles like Iwo Jima, Normandy, Saipan and others. I found myself thinking there just aren't enough “thank yous” in the universe to thank that generation for what they did.

But you know what? They saw something that had to be faced and flat did it. Was it easy? Heck no, it wasn't. But the good things, the best things in life, are never easy or free. I think there may be a lesson in there for America today.

So, just what I am thankful for?

n my wife, who puts up with her husband and all that comes along with it

n my kids, who put a smile on my face and a glow in my heart after even the most difficult day

n my dog, who can't wait to see me after three days or three minutes

n a God who loves all, including fools like me

n our community, a great place to raise a family because it still gives a rip about the simple things in life

n children who say “yes sir,” “no ma'am,” “thank you” and “please” without having to be told to do so

n mamas and daddies who hold their kids accountable for their actions and let them learn from the mistakes they make