The editorial team here at Townhall would like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Here's some of the things we're thankful for this year:
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Every year when I sit down to write my sentences for our team “grateful-for post,” I get overwhelmed trying to fit it all into a few words. I have been blessed beyond what I could have every imagined. I’m grateful for my health, my family, loyal friends, a safe place to live, my work, a good boss and helpful colleagues, nutritious food and I’m thankful every day that I live in the United States of America. This country I call home is the only place in the world capable of fostering the many opportunities I have been blessed to take advantage at this point in my life. Also, let’s not forget many in our armed forces won’t be at home with their families today, but instead overseas protecting our freedoms so we can eat our meals in peace surrounded by the people we love. I am thankful today and every day for many blessings. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!
- Katie Pavlich, News Editor
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I am exceptionally thankful for a strong and supportive family, a network of amazing friends, two jobs I love, colleagues I like and respect, and another year of health and happiness. Even for 2013's frustrations, I'm thankful -- mindful of the charge to give thanks in all things. Here's to a memorable day of food, family, friendship and football. Happy Thanksgiving!
- Guy Benson, Senior Political Editor
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“We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things?” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community”
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Though Bonhoeffer says this in the context of spiritual gifts and faith, standing alone, the quote carries just as much weight. It’s a reminder to be thankful for all of God’s gifts—none of which are too small or ordinary to celebrate. Personally, some of the many things I am thankful for include: family, friends, food, shelter, clean water, the Greek Orthodox faith and community, health, employment, education, democracy, our veterans and U.S. citizenship.
I hope that you, too, will remember to be thankful for all of the "ordinary" and "small" gifts in your life—today and every day. Happy Thanksgiving!
- Leah Barkoukis, Assistant Editor Townhall.com/Townhall Magazine
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Thanksgiving is a holiday for good times and cheer, but it's also the holiday on which Americans everywhere can reflect on what good fortunes they've had in life. And we all can find something for which we can be truly thankful.
I'm thankful for my family, whether they are family by blood or by choice. If I didn't have their love and support I would not be the person I am today.
Thanksgiving - and the upcoming Christmas season - is a time to think of those who aren't as fortunate as us, and give generously. There are many who haven't had the good fortune that we have had. Helping provide the needy with charity is especially important during the holiday season, as the weather turns colder.
We should all be thankful for the volunteer men and women of America's armed forces, who have taken up the legacy of those who fought to secure the freedom of the greatest country in the world.
Happy Thanksgiving.
- Kevin Glass, Managing Editor
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I am thankful for all of my family, but in particular I am thankful for my wife and three children. There really is no one else I'd rather be with on Thanksgiving Day, or any day. I am also thankful for Fresno State's so-far undefeated football season, my new opportunity here at Townhall Magazine, and the Lost Dog Cafe that just opened near my home. That is some great pizza!
- Conn Carroll, Managing Editor for Townhall Magazine
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What am I thankful for? Quite a lot, actually. I’m thankful for my supportive family, my friends, and my health. Special shout-out to my father who had the misfortune of reading and editing practically every word I ever wrote when I first started working here a few years back. Luckily I don’t harass him as much anymore. Thanks for the encouragement, Pops. Also, I’m grateful to all the men and women who serve our country in uniform, at home and around the globe. They are the ones who truly make this nation great. And finally, I’m thankful to Him -- for his forgiveness and many blessings. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Now go eat, relax, and watch football.
- Dan Doherty, Deputy News Editor
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2013 has proved to be very interesting; and while I’m especially grateful for my loving and supportive family and friends, I’m particularly thankful this year for life’s challenges. From hardships come humility, strength, and resolve. Obstacles make way for new opportunities often times unimaginable or unforeseen. Pain strengthens your faith and opens your eyes to all the wonderful blessings God gives. I am thankful for all the bumps in the road that make life worth living.
As a relative newbie to Townhall, I am thankful for the tremendous team of talented colleagues I have the privilege of calling friends. I remember daily the brave men, women and families who sacrifice everything to protect our freedom, and I truly appreciate people who just smile to make the world a kinder place.
I wish you and yours a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
- Amanda Muñoz, Office & Human Resources Manager
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This year my Thanksgiving will be one where I reflect on all of the love in my life. My friends, my family and boyfriend all make my life a joy. Although I won’t be heading home to Massachusetts this year, I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family to spend Turkey Day with here. When I think of all the changes over this past year, I can’t help but be thankful to have a job that I love, coworkers who make coming to work a pleasure every day, and a great support system at home. This year is about love for me; and I couldn’t be more grateful for having so much love in my life. Thank you everyone for making this past year so great!
- Heather Ginsberg, Web Editor
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This year, I’m thankful for being able to write about issues I’m passionate about and working with fun coworkers who let me decorate the office with Royal Wedding flags. I’m also thankful for all the pro-life victories we’ve had this year, particularly in the great state of Texas. I’m thankful for our readers and social media followers, who often share inspiring insight into the topics we cover. Finally, I’m thankful for my encouraging family and friends, who aren’t afraid to share story ideas! Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
- Cortney O’Brien, Web Editor
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I’m really not that good at being sentimental, so I’m just going to make a list of all the things I am thankful for this year. In no particular order, I am thankful for: my job at Townhall, my coworkers, my brother, ice hockey (and my college’s team being nationally ranked this season), Providence College, airplanes, the crepe truck outside of the Townhall office, the Order of Preachers, America, Skype, StubHub, the Dominican House of Studies, Twitter, my family, my friends, Snapchat, my L.L. Bean boots, Maine, iPhones, and freedom.
- Christine Rousselle, Web Editor
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Protip from my Dad: ‘find what you love to do and get paid to do it.' I love fresh perspectives, hearing people's stories, writing and promoting, what I think, can help people live fuller lives. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day. For working with colleagues who are both focused and fun. For being back on the east coast near my family. For new opportunities to grow. And for daily reminders that life is all about loving and serving the people around you.
- Sarah Seman, Web Editor
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I am thankful for my mother and sister, as well as our health. I am thankful for America and my loving community. I am thankful to have a roof over my head, access to technology, a durable pair of shoes, somewhere safe to sleep, something to eat, and something to drink. I am thankful to be young and independent and unburdened by debt at a time when many are struggling.
I am thankful for my time at Townhall, where I have learned and grown so much. The editorial staff makes me excited to come to work every day. I am thankful to continue my life's adventure in the Middle East next year.
I am thankful for my father, who passed two years ago but whose memory still graces my every day. I am thankful to God, the source of all goodness, for all of the blessings I have had as well as those to come.
- Nicole Bailey, Editorial Intern
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