Thanksgiving is the favourite holiday of many Americans — and for good reason. It is the one day of the year when all Americans — regardless of ethnic background, religious belief or socio-economic status — come together with family and friends to share the joy of our many blessings.

As my family and I celebrate our first Thanksgiving in Bermuda, we have much to be thankful for. The blessings of faith, family, and friends have meant so much to us over the years.

And now we have the great blessing of being here in Bermuda, for which we are deeply grateful.

Maybe that’s the secret of Thanksgiving. No matter who we are, no matter what challenges we face, each of us has been blessed in some way— and each of us has something for which to be thankful. Thanksgiving gives us the chance to reflect upon those blessings.

There are many voices in our modern world that tell us that whatever we have, it’s not enough. That new car— or house— or boat— or vacation will finally bring happiness.

Or maybe it’s a bigger bank account— or a new girlfriend or boyfriend—. that we really “need.” But the message of Thanksgiving stands in sharp contrast to this ultimately hollow ethos.

Thanksgiving gives us a chance to remember— and to celebrate the many, many gifts that each of us has received. Maybe it’s just the beautiful sunset last night. Or maybe it’s a lovely time shared with family and friends last week. Or perhaps it’s just that we have a roof over our heads this evening and a simple meal to eat.

But no matter what, Thanksgiving is a day that makes one more grateful— more humble—and more appreciative of all that we’ve been given. And, hopefully, by those many blessings, Thanksgiving makes us more willing to give to others who have been less fortunate than ourselves.We hope you will be able to join many of us — Americans and Bermudians together — at the Thanksgiving Day Service hosted by the American Society tomorrow . This year we will celebrate Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s AME Church at 12.15 p.m., after which those of us who have time can share some light refreshments in the church hall.