Perspective: A bountiful Thanksgiving

It's probably been difficult for some folks to feel thankful over the last couple of years. We've been dealing with COVID and the fallout surrounding it. The economy took a huge hit. People lost their jobs. People lost their loved ones.

Thanksgiving is a day to show gratitude for the good things we have in our lives. It is one of the oldest traditions in our country, dating back more than 400 years. Over that time, Thanksgiving has become a central holiday in our culture. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln officially set aside Thanksgiving "as a national day for thanksgiving, praise and prayer." In that proclamation, Lincoln emphasized the importance of asking God to care for "all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers" in our Civil War. Lincoln, in the midst of war, was mindful of those most hurt by the conflict.

Things have changed since 1863 of course. Our nation would probably be unrecognizable in many ways to Lincoln. We still have challenges and conflicts, however. The division and hardships we've experienced over the last couple of years still weigh on us. We are almost constantly reminded of bad news and negative experiences. COVID, political division and economic worries seem to dominate our national discourse.

This Thanksgiving, however, we have so many things to be grateful for. Even with all the challenges we've faced in the last few years, the people of our nation still display the concern and care for their neighbors that Lincoln called for in 1863.

Charitable giving in this country reached an all-time high last year. As a nation, we gave more than $471 billion to help those less fortunate. That number was up more than $20 billion over 2019. Donations for education, schools and libraries were up 9 percent, totaling more than $70 billion. Giving to animal and environmental charities was up by 11.6 percent, for a total of more than $16 billion. Human services donations increased to over $65 billion, an increase of 9.7 percent. In the face of all the adversity we experienced over the last year, the generosity of our citizens only grew.

We have so many things to be thankful for. The economy here in Missouri has recovered vigorously. Our state is first in the nation for on-the-job training, third in the nation for apprenticeships and low business tax, and fourth in the nation for new opportunity and new manufacturing facilities. We have weathered the storm and bounced back stronger than ever.

That's just one of the many things I think about when my mind is on this Thanksgiving. I'm thankful we live in a free country, full of generous people and protected by brave men and women willing to risk their lives for our safety and freedom. I'm thankful for my health and the health of my wife and family. I'm thankful for everything they do to make my life happy. And I'm thankful for the people in this country who are more willing than ever to donate and volunteer to help others in need.

I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and hope you have a great day with your family and friends.

State Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, represents Missouri's 6th District and shares his perspective on statehouse issues twice a month.