These are hard economic times; there is no doubt about it. Many, if not most Americans – and I trust more than a few Bermudians – are feeling the effects of the downturn in the global economy. But that does not mean we cannot give thanks for what we do have. In fact, maybe the 'silver lining' of tough economic times is the opportunity it gives all of us to refocus on the many non-material blessings we do have: our family, our friends and our very lives.

Why should we be grateful during these times of economic turbulence, especially if we or someone we love has lost a job or even their home? First, we must never lose sight of the fact that we have – each and every one of us – the precious gift of life. And if we are lucky enough to have family and friends with whom to share our lives, there is all the more reason to give thanks. Secondly, in being grateful for what we do have (and all of us have something for which to be grateful) we counteract the poison of bitterness that can so easily destroy a human life. You know what I'm talking about: people who are so bitter about the past that they have a tough time seeing the present, let alone the future, clearly. This cycle of bitterness can become all encompassing for some, making it even more difficult to get that next job or make a new friendship…or see any positive opportunity that life might bring.

I'm not saying that some of us, indeed many of us, don't have legitimate reasons to be upset and even angry about things that have happened in the past. Unfortunately, life on this earth is not fair – and human beings are not always kind to each other. But as the old saying goes, holding on to bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Better to have an 'attitude of gratitude' for that which we do have – and build for the future on a platform of thanksgiving and hope. Fundamentally, this is a choice that each of us has to make at some point in our lives. And this is one of the reasons I love Thanksgiving – it reminds me of the importance of choosing to be thankful and hopeful.

This Thanksgiving, most of us here in Bermuda can be thankful that we are able to support ourselves and our families; this Nation is very fortunate in that respect. For those who are not so lucky, I am reminded of what John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." It is the duty of us all to help our neighbour, whether it's in terms of employment opportunities or access to good health care, public education and training. I've always found that when I'm sad or depressed – one of the best antidotes is to do something kind to someone else who is suffering even more. As the Good Book tells us: "the measure you use for others is the measure that will be used for you." This is profound wisdom indeed.

Now another Thanksgiving Day is upon us, and you are cordially invited to celebrate it with us. Today's Thanksgiving Celebration will begin promptly at 12.15 p.m. at Wesley Methodist Church on Church Street in Hamilton. Guests are asked to be seated by 12 noon, to enjoy the musical prelude. Immediately following you are invited to share a light Thanksgiving lunch with us in the church hall.

We thank Reverend Gary Clark, musical director Mr. Lloyd Mathew, and the entire Wesley Methodist Church family for opening their beautiful church for today's Celebration. We hope to see you there today – please know that you are very welcome.

All of the donations collected at today's Celebration will be given to the Coalition for the Protection of Children. Under the inspired leadership of Ms. Sheelagh Cooper, the Coalition provides a broad range of services to children and their families. You can learn more about their wonderful services – and how you can help – on their website at http://www.coalition.bm. For their compassion and commitment we should all be grateful to the Coalition.

We do hope to see you at Wesley Methodist Church today at 12 noon. We look forward to giving thanks…and celebrating…with you.

The Honorable Gregory W. Slayton is the U.S. Consul General to Bermuda