Happy Thanksgiving!

In just a handful of hours, the majority of us will be sitting around a table, enjoying our loved ones and a great spread of food. The kids will be running amok and the obligatory conversations with the mildly tolerated in-laws and estranged second cousins will begin. Turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean casseroles, rolls, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs… I can almost taste them now! Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family, good food and company, thankfulness, and laughs. It is a day where we don our stretchiest of pants and put our personal intestinal fortitude to the test! We sign ourselves up for round after round of helpings, ultimately ending the day in a state of a food-induced coma, snoozing it off on the couch.

JP’s Collision Center wants to wish you and your family the happiest of Thanksgiving holidays! But on a more sobering note, we cannot forget those this season that have encountered a less-than-fortunate series of circumstances. Those that are homeless. Those that are alone and feel this void more seriously around this time of year. Those that are serving our country abroad and overseas that cannot be with their loved ones at this time and those that are at home, wishing their loved ones that are serving could be with them. Let us also not forget those that have suffered a loss in number this year and will feel that loss more heavily, staring at that empty chair around their table.

As we reflect on our blessings from the year, may we take a moment to pray for those hurting, in need, and for those that are alone. I myself have committed to taking my kids to the local shelter so that they can gain perspective and volunteer to serve their fellow man. They are only 5 and 10, but compassion and love can be learned at any age. Make it a point to do at least one random act of kindness and sign yourself up for some charitable work. You will help others while helping yourself grow as a decent human being at the same time. If you would like to join me and my family in visiting the shelter, please reach out and let us know. I will be contacting the shelter soon to find out what is most needed from us, as well as dropping the clothing and other needed items that we have collected over the last few weeks off.

May we continue to be blessed and thankful throughout the year, and Happy Thanksgiving to all those that are receiving this message! Cheers!