As 2005 draws to a close, you may wonder if there is anything to be thankful for. With so many natural disasters, being at war, and so much suffering, it's hard to remember the good that happened to us.

It seems we can't read or listen to the news without seeing or hearing talk of more destruction in the wake of yet another hurricane, more casualties in the war against terrorism, a weak economy, and a poor Christmas retail season. Few speak of the blessings they enjoy. Yet for many people these blessings are as real today as they were in years past.

Some voices are asking, as 2005 draws to a close, is this a time to be thankful?

I believe the answer is a resounding "YES"!

You are reading this on a computer connected to the Internet. In contrast, many countries will forever deny their citizens the ability to do what we do everyday - sign on and read email - for fear that truth will set them free.

The sheer fact that you are reading this article means you are better off than 2 billion (yes - that is a "B") citizens of planet earth who can't read.

If you know, right now, where your next meal will come from you are better off than 17% of children living in America. The rates for other countries are staggeringly high. In these things and more, most of us are privileged in ways that others only dream of.

If you live in America, your Constitution guarantees you life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You have rights. You have the right of free speech, the right to peacefully assemble and to protest. We move freely from state to state with no border guards. We are free to worship as we choose. We have access to our elected officials. If we don't like something they do, we can vote them out of office. For these things we should be grateful indeed, because they ensure our continued freedom and ability to determine our own fate.

As the year draws to a close, it is appropriate for us to count our blessings and be thankful. If you are having difficulty finding your blessings, try starting with these simple questions.

• Do you live free today?

• Does someone love you today?

• Have you heard children's laughter?

• Are you part of a family?

The more you think, the more you will realize that you are blessed indeed.

As we rush headlong into the Christmas season the days seem so short. Yet now is perhaps the best time to express our thankfulness to those around us. In this, the season of giving, let us pause to remember those who we are thankful for. From giving something as simple as a smile to a co-worker to surprising your spouse with a spontaneous gift to show your love, let us each commit to brighten someone's life this very day.

Now more than ever we must pause to count our blessings.

Count yours today and every day and you will find that you are rich indeed.