Time for gratitude, governor says

Thanksgiving message from Gov. Olene S. Walker:

"What a wonderful opportunity is the Thanksgiving season. It is, as the Psalmist said, 'a good thing to give thanks' (Psalm 92:1). Truer words were never written. Albert Clarke adds, 'In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.'

"This season I am grateful for many things. I am grateful to be an American. I am especially grateful to be a Utahn, and I am honored and humbled to serve the wonderful people of this state as governor.

"Utah is such a beautiful place to live. We have pristine rivers and streams, breathtaking red rock wonders and steep-walled canyons, starkly beautiful desert landscapes, high mountains, blue skies and fresh powder snow. We have many natural wonders, all of which cause me to approach Utah 'the place' with respect, gratitude and awe.

"Even more awe-inspiring than Utah, the place, is Utah, the people. We Utahns aspire to be good neighbors, associates and friends. Utahns volunteer frequently and are conscientious in fulfilling their duties as citizens. We come from many diverse backgrounds and cultures, and there is so much good that we share — simple things like our work ethic, our commitment to be decent and compassionate people, our common desire to make life better for each other and for our children.

"Even such simple things as our ability to feel and express love and gratitude make Utah a great place to live. Utah, and indeed the rest of the nation and world, is enriched by the good people who live here. For this I am profoundly grateful.

"Many opportunities and challenges lie ahead of us and our state. During the next 13 months, I am committed to making progress on the pressing issues we face as a state. I am committed to maximizing human potential through education and other means, working smarter and more efficiently in government, and improving Utah today and tomorrow, as I strive to fulfill my responsibility to you, the citizens.

"I will need your help as we work together to accomplish these goals. We each have much to be thankful for, and we each have something productive to give. Whether we donate our time, our energy, or our resources, we can accomplish great things as volunteers. Spending just 20 minutes each day to read to a child, helping our youth, adopting a stream to clean up, or providing a warm meal to the hungry or needed company for the lonely can make a real difference in someone's life. I encourage everyone to give of themselves.