Thanksgiving is a strange time for many people. A lot of people don’t know the many things that they have to be thankful for and take for granted the many blessings that they have been given. Others don’t believe they have anything to be thankful for and feel like life owes them more than they have gotten.

If you have a job, be thankful. Many people across the state — especially in our part of Alabama — don’t have one.

Others may have to settle for anything that pays money just to make ends come close to being met. New Era workers in Jackson have a countdown clock ticking towards the middle of February, when the plant there will be closed. Those who work in the Demopolis plant don’t know their futures.

If you have someone who loves you or someone to love, be thankful. I believe that every human heart needs to find another, but just as important are family and good friends. They are like gold. Try to contact as many family members as you can this week. That lets them know that you care about them, and knowing that somebody cares for you is the greatest present a person can give.

If you are fairly healthy, be thankful. Many people have chronic illnesses or disabilities that hinder their lives, making them unable to get out and interact with others. A visit from someone means the world to many of these people, even if it’s just to say “Hi” and share the latest news.

If you have a talent — and that includes everyone — be thankful. Everyone on the face of the earth has been given several talents to use for the sake of themselves or for others.

If you can read, you can read for those who can’t. If you can draw, you can create a picture for someone. If you think you don’t have any talents, you either haven’t seen them or haven’t discovered them yet.

Be thankful for every breath you take, for every instant you are alive and for every situation you are in. There are always those who are less fortunate than you.

Give thanks for the things you have and for the ills that you don’t have, and make an effort to share your blessings whenever possible.

David B. Snow is the managing editor of the Demopolis Times.