Being thankful is such a great way to get perspective. Most of us (all of us) don't know how good we have it despite there always being those that suffer more than most. The division made evident in our culture this year is an indictment on us as a culture.
If I can remember what I have to be grateful for, even the suffering can be eased. I'm thankful that I don't live in the 14th century when half of europe was killed by an infectious disease (NOT TO MAKE LIGHT OF TODAY'S PROBLEMS). I'm thankful for my wealth of relationships, my wonderful healthy family, and the abundance I take for granted just by being born in the greatest country ever at the best time in history to be alive.
None of us should have to search for things to be thankful for, not just because the calendar says to do it today, but because the sun rises EVERYday.
Then, if we can learn to be patient and kind with everyone and to not hold men's differing opinions or even their sins against them...we might just be on our way to making a true difference in the world for good.