Life is good, all things considered

Yes, we do complain. A lot. But deep down, in our heart of hearts, we know how incredibly fortunate we are. That's why it is so special to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Think about it. There is one purpose -- and one purpose only -- to this traditional American celebration: to give thanks.

Oh, we've added a lot to round out the day ... things like family gatherings, prayers with hands linked around the table, turkey dinners with all the trimmings, watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade on television, playing games -- inside and outside -- with the kids, and talking, just talking, in person and by phone, with our loved ones.

That's our way. As we give thanks, we want to be near those dear to us. They are our reason for being ... our earthly purpose as we travel life's pathways. Here in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas, we have our special reasons to be thankful.

* Cattle prices are the highest in history, giving a greatly needed boost to area agriculture.

* The ethanol plant east of Trenton is rapidly rising, bringing the promise of new jobs and an improved market for corn producers.

* McCook Community College, the treasured name for Nebraska's oldest junior college, has been retained, ushering in a new era of pride and support.

* Two area high school teams, Cambridge and McCook, have won state football championships, and Chase County of Imperial, in football, and Republican Valley, in volleyball, have earned state runner-up finishes, showing the outstanding dedication of our young athletes.

* The mid-town portions of U.S. Highways 6, 34 and 83 through McCook have been completed, clearing the way for a downtown renaissance in the business district.

* National legislation has favored Southwest Nebraska, with approval given in the 2003 session for additional Medicare funding for Community Hospital, a first time appropriation for 21st Century Systems to test military vehicle c0mputer monitors, and money to buy an Instrument Landing System at McCook Airport. All told, the three appropriations will amount to close to $3 million.

Of course, not all is rosy. We need moisture, badly. And the economy, which is starting to turn around, still has lots of room to grow. But, by and large, day by day, life is good in the Golden Plains.

Please, Lord, help us be thankful for what we have. And give us strength to help each other as we face the challenges, and opportunities, which lie ahead.