This Thursday is the American Thanksgiving holiday. Over the years it has become a general holiday for giving thanks for all that we have, both as a country and as individuals. There is great power in spending time thinking about good things – things worth being thankful for. Whether you thank God, the Goddess, the fates or the universe in general, this is a time for reflection and thanks.

And so I wanted to take this opportunity to list some things for which I’m thankful:

• I am glad that I am not alone in my constant seeking of the deeper truth behind the mysteries of the universe and God.

The fact that we live in a universe filled with complexity and wonder is a gift to be treasured.

• My wife, who is the best and most wonderful person and friend I could ever hope for
• My sons, who are a constant source of joy and energy and hope for the future
• My parents, who have been there through thick and thin and have truly shown that blood is thicker than water
• My brother, who has always been a best friend – and his family, who also great friends
• My in-laws, who have taken me in as their own son
• My friends, steadfast and true
• My colleagues and friends at Magenic and in the broader computer industry, who are an inspiration in many ways

I am fortunate indeed to travel through life in such company as this!

I am also thankful for all the support I get from people who’ve read my books and articles, or have seen me speak at conferences or user groups. I get a regular stream of emails from around the world, and I count myself lucky to be able to interact with so many wonderful people.

• Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes and huge tracts of wilderness and of sun and snow – all of which replenish my spirit
• The ability to hunt and fish and hike and camp and canoe and to truly enjoy this awesome state
• Our incredibly interesting and diverse politics – unique in many ways; ever changing, unpredictable and not overly tied to the quagmire of the national parties

Given my career, I could live almost anywhere. People ask “why Minnesota?” But Minnesota is beautiful in the summer, fall, winter and spring. Every season has something different to offer.

• I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in America. Recent events, global and domestic, have driven home the incredible value of the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, and I think have shown how fragile they are in the face of adversity
• Thank you to the men and women in the armed forces, now and over the past 200+ years. Regardless of the political rights or wrongs, the people serving in our military are brave, selfless and deserve our gratitude

Is our country perfect? No. But we are collectively always striving for better. Better for us and for our children. I am thankful to live in a nation founded on the idea of freedom of expression, religion and the pursuit of happiness.

• I have been fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world. I love seeing different peoples, different countries and different cities. Every time I travel it reminds me that we are all much more alike than we are different, and that gives me great hope for the future of mankind
• I have also been fortunate enough to travel in much of the US. Like the rest of the world, the peoples of the US are more alike than different. Yet it is our diversity that is compelling, and which makes us strong and for that I am thankful

I’ve been to Spain, California, New York, Canada, Mexico, Florida, Britain, France, Morocco, Alabama, the Netherlands, Australia and many other places. Everywhere I’ve been there’s a constant drive for human dignity, for the betterment of the world and love for children. People work and eat and sleep and play and love. We are all much more alike than we are different.

I believe that most people around the world spend their time in labors of love not hatred, and for that I am forever thankful.