A song by CeCe Winans entitled the “Goodness of God” speaks about how God’s goodness runs after us. God’s goodness always seeks what is best for us. We may not be aware of God’s goodness, but it is still there nevertheless. When things go awry or when we don’t get what we want, God’s goodness is not to blame. Evil and suffering do exist in the world, but God is not the creator of evil and suffering; instead, God’s goodness seeks to overcome all of the evil and suffering in the world, and we are told in the Bible that God’s goodness will ultimately prevail over it and will eradicate all of it someday.

When we are honest with ourselves, we are able to look back on our lives and see how God’s goodness has provided for us over the years and how his providential care has preserved us up until the present day. The mere fact that we able to read these words today or take our next breath is testimony of God’s goodness towards us. Even at death, God promises good things for those who love him. For example, the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”

This is a week for giving thanks. While being grateful is an attitude which ought to mark our lives continuously throughout each and every day, the reality is that ruinous emotions have a way of creeping their way into our hearts and changing our good attitude for the worse. The way to overcome those ruinous emotions is to count your many blessings. Being grateful is an attitude which does not always come to us naturally; instead, it takes discipline. Growing a grateful heart is like growing a flower. It must be watered, fertilized, and be given plenty of sunshine.

When we take the time to nurture a truly grateful heart, we bless others around us. Nobody likes to be around a sour puss, but a truly grateful person can light up a dark room faster than turning on a light bulb from a switch. I suspect that most of us would prefer to be the kind of person who lights up a room, rather than being the one who darkens it. Therefore, let the light of your grateful heart shine bright this year as you gather with family and friends to return thanks to God for the many good things he has done for you this past year.

So, what am I grateful for this year? I am grateful for each and everyone of you. Because of the good people of Legislative District 47, I have been able to serve in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature for the past eight years. Without your vote, this would not have been possible. My term in office is quickly coming to an end, but it has been my privilege and my joy to represent each and every one of you in the State Legislature. So, thank you for voting for me and thank you for giving me such an outstanding opportunity to serve the great state of Nebraska.