Editorial | A few words of gratitude for the season

Opinion editor’s note: Editorials represent the opinions of the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board, which operates independently from the newsroom.

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Members of the Minnesota Star Tribune Editorial Board have long had a Thanksgiving tradition of clear-eyed appreciation and gratitude, not just for the natural splendor around us, but for the human ingenuity that improves it, even in those moments when the world seems off-kilter. Here are a few reflections for this season of thankfulness:

Be thankful for the abundance of nature. Minnesotans were treated to two aerial spectacles this month: The stunning aurora borealis that blanketed the sky early November as well as the peak of the Leonids meteor shower two weekends ago. Be mindful of the signals our planet is sending us that its delicate balance is out of whack: record-breaking warmth in November and February, stressed lilacs blooming in September, and of course the smoky, hazy summers we’ve all come to tolerate. — Noor Adwan

Be thankful for good Samaritans. For every deeply troubled individual in our country capable of committing unspeakable acts of violence, there are orders of magnitude more helpers, like Devin O’Brien, who rushed to barricade doors and aid students during August’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. Be mindful that unfettered access to guns will only continue to enable such tragedies, and that firearms remain the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. — Noor Adwan

Be thankful that good candidates are willing to run for and hold public office because elections in this state and country remain free of large-scale corruption and ballot box shenanigans so that challengers, such as St. Paul’s Mayor-elect Kaohly Her, can defeat an incumbent when voters decide they’ve had enough and are ready for change. Be mindful that democracy remains precarious everywhere, that engagement and attention matter, and that the very least the rest of us can do is commit to voting in the high-stakes 2026 statewide election in which the governor’s office, secretary of state, attorney general, Legislature and a U.S. Senate seat are on the ballot. — Rochelle Olson

Be thankful for the front-line workers and first responders who show up at difficult times, allowing the rest of us to comfortably go about our lives. They rushed to the scene of the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting. They answered the call in the middle of the night when our legislators were attacked. Be mindful that they’re all humans, and the stress and odd hours of their work come with a psychic and physical cost that includes lost time with their own friends and families. — Rochelle Olson

Be thankful that many of us may gather with family across generations, sharing in tradition, food, laughter and love. Be mindful that, for many reasons, not all of us may share this experience. Loss and estrangement hurt, but they remind us of life’s value. Time spent with our loved ones is precious because it is limited and enduring, a light that guides through dark times, which will also end. — Aaron Brown

Be thankful that as we pass the mashed potatoes and gravy, brushing shoulders with our kith and kin, warmed by the soft light of love and belonging, that there is no way for the Minnesota Vikings to ruin this day, because they do not play. Be mindful that they will play in Seattle on Sunday, a good day to make soup. — Aaron Brown

Be thankful for the generous social safety net that Minnesota has long maintained. Chances are, you or someone you know will need it. Be mindful that stronger safeguards and oversight are critical to prevent fraudsters from taking advantage of our collective generosity. — Jill Burcum

Be thankful for the freedom of expression guaranteed in the First Amendment. Be mindful that these liberties come with a responsibility to ensure the information we share is credible and constructive. — Jill Burcum