Fall is in the air. The first rain of the season has come, the nights are cool and the days grow shorter of light each day. Back in the Midwest, where I grew up, it is time for the trees to turn their beautiful colors and for the first frost. Our trees here are telling us it is fall, as well. The fields are being cleared and prepared for next spring, while others are getting winter crops.

All this signals that my favorite time of the year is almost here. In less than a month, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. What a wonderful day to be with family and friends. It is also a day to thank the God of Jesus Christ for this wonderful country and the many blessings that we enjoy spiritually, physically and financially. The United States is the most blessed nation in history.

We in California have so much for which to be thankful. Yes, I know that things are tough for many. Unemployment is still very high. Others who are employed have had to take pay cuts. The housing market is still in shambles. I get all that. Just for a moment, let’s remember to be thankful for this place we call home.

This state has abundant natural resources. Whether it is timber, gold or other minerals, oil, natural gas, the bounty of the sea or most anything else, this state has it. How cool is that? And as far as scenery goes, there are Yosemite, Death Valley, Tahoe, the beauty of the coast, the redwoods and sequoia forests, multiple mountain ranges and more. This is an incredible place in every respect.

All of this reminds me to be thankful to the creator of all this. Here are some wonderful passages to contemplate: Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 24:1-2, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17. There was a time when I accepted the god of chance as an explanation, but the more I study nature, the more I am filled with wonder. It is amazing how everything works together. That makes me even more thankful and filled with awe.

Yes, I still have some tough days. This has been a year with many challenges for our family. Circumstances have challenged my ability to keep giving thanks. There have been some really hard days. Still, the good far outweighs the bad, so I will be thankful (see Philippians 4:4-7).

Join me, neighbor, in giving thanks right now for the blessings of God. Then let us prepare our minds and hearts for the greatest time of thanksgiving of the year, Christmas. Did I mention I love this time of the year?

•The Rev. Ken Hasekamp is minister of Adventure Christian Church. Sermon Notes is a column by leaders from local pastors.