Today is a day to give thanks, so before you head out to do your Black Friday shopping, take some time to think about what that really means.

What can you be truly thankful for today and everyday?

• The natural beauty that surrounds us here in the Tri-State — the rolling hills dotted with majestic trees and the mighty Ohio River.

• The public servants — police officers, firefighters, medical personnel — who keeps us safe and help save lives everyday.

• The people who are working to push the Tri-State and Lawrence County forward economically to ensure our region remains a place people want to call home and raise their families.

• And the volunteers who chose to spend their time cleaning the community and making it a more beautiful place to live and work.

Some of those volunteers are working today at the Ironton City Mission to make sure everyone who wants one but can’t afford it, can have a proper Thanksgiving feast, much like the one you will probably have today.

That longstanding tradition is one our community should truly be thankful for.

Lawrence County and the Tri-State aren’t perfect, but there are many reasons to be thankful. Make sure to take time today and everyday to reflect and give thanks.