Doing good to others this Thanksgiving and beyond

   There’s a lot of craziness going on in the world these days. The news and social media are filled with it. The circus in Washington, D.C. is a good example.
   I encourage you this Thanksgiving to turn off the evening bad news, put down Facebook, shut down Twitter and forget about Snapchat for an afternoon and spend it with your family.
   This nation, in spite of the nuts trying to run it, or ruin it (however you feel about it), is the still the most blessed and freedom-filled nation in the world!
   This Thanksgiving, enjoy a turkey meal and all the trimmings and celebrate your life. Enjoy your family and be grateful for the many blessings you have been given. 
   By the end of the day, you will be more relaxed, less stressed and a good long nap will be in order.
   Thanksgiving is also a great time to do unto others through kind and giving acts. Following are a few tips to make Thanksgiving and the holiday season better for others. Here goes:
  • Don’t worry about missing a Black Friday sale, stay home and enjoy your family – and get some rest. Whatever it is that you want, it will be on sale again!
   • Take a percentage of what your Christmas shopping budget is and give it to a local food pantry or outreach for those who don’t have much. There are numerous outreaches in Poweshiek County who help others and can use your help.
   • Buy one less gift for each family member and give that money to buy gifts for a community outreach that helps others.
  • Buy all the food to prepare a holiday meal and give it to a family in need. Or just buy a family some groceries.
    • Give a gift card to a neighbor or friend of the family to enjoy a tasty meal at a local eatery. 
    • Pay for a stranger’s meal the next time you go to a restaurant – Pay it forward.
   • Fix a traditional Thanksgiving meal and enjoy it with your family. I remember the wonderful homemade meals my mom fixed at Thanksgiving. It’s hard to beat and the memories fill my heart.
   • Turn off the television and social media and play a game or have a scavenger hunt with your family.
   • Help clean up a neighbor’s yard, garage or home for free.
   • Invite a neighbor or friend over to enjoy Thanksgiving with your family. I remember when I first moved to Montezuma, thanks to the generosity of a local family, I enjoyed several delicious Thanksgiving meals. It was such a blessing.
   • Hospitals, senior living facilities, jails and many other services needed to keep this country going, all have people working on Thanksgiving and through the holidays. Send a note thanking them for their time and service.
   • Volunteer at a local food pantry, church function or community-minded event.
  • When you stop and fill up, pay inside instead of at the pump. While inside, thank the person working on the holiday for their time and service.
   • Call your friends and family during the holiday and let them know you love them and are thinking of them.
   And lastly – a little more advice. Take a step during the Thanksgiving weekend to fulfill a life-long dream. One step is all it takes to get going. Your dreams are not a waste of time.
   Take time to reflect on your life and write down the many blessings, even the little ones, you have enjoyed. Carry them in your pocket and take time to reflect on something good.

Moving on
   As for me, I will always be appreciative of my parents for taking me to church and teaching me about the good book. One of the greatest lessons they taught me was to do unto others, as I would have them do unto me. It’s been a guiding light throughout my life and one that I have put to practice many times.
   What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
  Have a great week and take care of yourself, my friends. And always remember that “Good Things are Happening,” every day and always.