This Week’s Legislative Column from Senator Mike Parson

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A Time to Count Our Blessings

The holidays are approaching and Thanksgiving is almost here. Most of us are planning our meals, preparing to either travel or welcome friends and relatives and perhaps preparing for Black Friday shopping. However, I encourage you to look beyond all the hustle and bustle of the holiday festivities, and think about life’s many gifts and blessings. After all, the holiday season is not about commercialism. It’s about spending time with your loved ones and giving thanks for your blessings.

Many of us have filled our lives with busy schedules including our children’s activities and other important commitments. By the end of the day, we’re usually tired and mentally preparing for the next day or the upcoming week. Take some time this holiday season to be proud of yourself and your families for all the good you have done and will continue to do. Take time to be present, take a breath and recognize the wonderful things around you.

Family and friends are some of God’s greatest blessings, and it’s uplifting to know you can rely on each other’s love and support. I am a very blessed man to have a wonderful wife, children and grandchildren whom I adore. Their love and support are the greatest gifts for which I could ever ask.

Thanksgiving is not only a time to express our gratitude for all life’s gifts, but to give back to our community and to others less fortunate. The beauty about the American spirit is even during difficult times, we rally together and are able to make the good count for more than the bad. I would encourage you to look for ways to give back this year. Perhaps it is adopting a family for Christmas or donating food to a food bank or volunteering to serve meals at a soup kitchen. Whatever you choose to do, please do it with a grateful heart and the spirit of thankfulness.

Thank you for reading this column, and I hope you and your loved ones enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. If you are traveling, please stay safe. May God bless and keep you well.

“Nothing is Politically Right Which is Morally Wrong”