We live in a season of falling expectations. We doubt that our future will be as good as our past. Unemployment is persistently high. We know we've splurged on debt and know we'll have to cut back to unwind it. Faith in political and religious institutions is low. The news we read each day discourages us.

A cloud of pessimism seems to hang over our nation. And the very institutions in which we have lost faith have a vested interest in keeping us under it. National media trumpets the failure of our leaders. Local media trumpets the latest violence in our neighborhoods.

The irony is, it's all relative. The irony is, we have so much to be thankful for.

How appropriate that we have a holiday especially devoted to helping us get perspective.

Here's my short list of big things I'm thankful for:

• My faith
• My family
• My home
• A chance to make a difference

Or some smaller things:

• Asha is cozily curled up on my lap.
• I've got four days with family coming up.
• Karen's great cooking to look forward to.
• A friend's email encouraged me.

We don't have to give in to the drumbeat of pessimism.  Turn off the TV. Shut down those negative thoughts. Practice 1 Thess. 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances." You'll feel better and so will those around you.

What things, big or small are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?