A few weeks ago, I took my daughters, aged 9 and 7 to the local pharmacy to get our flu shots. While waiting our turn to be stuck with a needle, my youngest girl noticed a sign that read, “Today is a good day to be thankful.” She may only be in second grade, but the irony was not lost on her. 

For many of us, 2020 has felt like one long wait for a flu shot. You know it’s going to be unpleasant. You just don’t know when your name will be called. And you can only hope it will be over with quickly. How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m ready to put this year behind us” or “Will 2020 ever end?” 

As I write this column, there’s still a lot of uncertainty in our world — economic insecurity, political unrest, more questions than answers surrounding COVID-19, and we’re still having trouble finding Clorox wipes and toilet paper. All jokes aside, it seems unlikely the challenges of 2020 will end when the calendar rolls over to 2021. There’s a lot to be gloomy about as we enter what should be the season of Thanksgiving. 

But … today is still a good day to be thankful. 

Here’s the thing about that sign in the pharmacy, it was hanging up long before we arrived for our flu shots, and it’s still hanging up today. The message still reads the same — the meaning having nothing to do with our current circumstances. No matter the headlines, or weather, or market conditions, there’s always room for gratitude. 

If I’m sounding preachy, it’s not my intent. I have to admit my attitude hasn’t been the greatest this year. I’ve lost loved ones, missed milestones, been stressed to the max. But I’ve also been incredibly blessed with good health, a good job, a roof over my head, and most importantly a wonderful family. Sometimes we need a sign. I literally got one. 

I know it’s been a trying year for many of our readers. We’ve covered the hardships in this magazine. Droughts, floods, hurricane after hurricane. Bad crop prices. Bad crop pests.  

But we’ve also covered stories of incredible perseverance, featuring farmers who have weathered the storms, faced the intense pressure and have not just survived, but thrived. Despite the many woes facing the agricultural industry, there is still much to appreciate, especially the ingenuity and resilience of our farmers. 

It is my hope that you, too, have much to be thankful for this year. That good health and good fortune are in your future. And that when you feel weighed down by the heaviness of 2020, you can break free through moments of gratitude.  

Oh, and about my daughter … she said that shot didn’t hurt one bit. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!