Thankful for Opportunities

 
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden

November 21, 2025  

Thanksgiving is a special time for family, traditions, and good food – but it is also a time for reflection. When the Pilgrims first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621, they had a lot to reflect on. They celebrated surviving their first year in Plymouth, the freedom of religion, and the relationships they made with the Wampanoag people.

But with all the festive traditions, we often forget that the Pilgrims’ first year in Plymouth was far from sunshine and rainbows – it was a year marked by hardship, loss, and uncertainty. Despite that, they still chose to remember the year with gratitude and thanksgiving. They chose to see God’s provision, rather than their lack, and they gave thanks for the blessings all around them.

Having a thankful heart doesn’t mean that every day is easy. It doesn’t mean that you never face hardship. In fact, some of the hardest things in life are actually the greatest blessings. I’ve said it many times, but challenges in life are often opportunities not yet realized – all it takes is a shift in perspective.

The Pilgrims focused on their opportunities, rather than their challenges, when they celebrated the first Thanksgiving. In the same way, all of us today should seek to find the good in every situation and thank our Creator for the blessings He’s given us. When you do, you will realize that there are open opportunities all around you!

I recently read this quote, and I was struck by its truth: “What a privilege to be tired from work you once prayed for; what a privilege to feel overwhelmed by growth you used to dream about; what a privilege to be challenged by a life you created on purpose; what a privilege to outgrow things you used to settle for.”

Being Governor of this great state is certainly not a cakewalk – there are days that I’d much rather be on my ranch, working with my hands. But I am grateful the good Lord has led me here, and I thank Him every day for the opportunity to serve as your Governor. It is the greatest honor of my life, and I will never take it for granted.

Here in South Dakota, we have so much to be grateful for! We have the lowest unemployment rate, the highest birth rate, a AAA credit rating, and a fully funded pension. We are the most Second Amendment-friendly state, the most pro-life state, and we have less regulations than almost any other state in the nation!

As you spend time with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take stock of all the blessings in your life. But I also encourage you to reflect on the hardships you might be facing –because even the tiring, overwhelming, and challenging moments may be opportunities you once prayed for.

Take a moment to demonstrate the heart of gratitude the Pilgrims modeled – to recognize God’s hand in every season, and to offer thanks for both the joys and trials that shape us. Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you all!

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