As the year quickly begins to wind down, it often gives us time to pause and reflect on all we have accomplished.

Whether you are finishing up a year-long reading plan, got married, had a baby, landed a new promotion or finally lost that pesky 20 pounds – just in time to regain it for the holidays – everyone has something to look back upon fondly.

And sure, this year had its ups and downs amid national scandals, political and social upheavals, and loss; yet we remain. That is the important thing to be thankful for this season. Not just at Thanksgiving, but all year long.

Sure, nothing really ever changes. Next year will afford its own turmoil and hardships, but will also contain myriad joys and wonder.

That is just the thing, we really cannot be for certain what life has in store for us. It is impossible to judge whether next year will be one of highs or lows. What we can be certain of, however, is that we are going to survive. Some people will surely pass away next year, that is true, but the heartbeat of society will keep on ticking.

Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, West Virginia, the United States of America and planet Earth will all still exist in 2018 – baring any catastrophic nuclear fallout, of course. Our societies will still exist. The ones we love, or at very least their memories, will still be around. And we will all have something for which to be thankful.

Let’s not dwell on the past this holiday season. Let us not even look with anticipation toward the future. Instead, resolve to live in the here and now, enjoying all life has to offer in the present.

Each moment is a gift. Embrace it, cherish it and never let it pass.

Happy Holidays.