As I am writing this, workers are installing the stage for Friday night’s Circle of Lights celebration on Monument Circle in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

As a community, this is unquestionably one of our favorite times of the year. Like the 500 Festival Parade of the Indy 500 itself, the 4th of July Freedom Fest or the Labor Day weekend fireworks spectacular, the Circle of Lights reminds us that as diverse as we are, there are things we can commonly enjoy while at the same time setting aside our differences and problems.

Coming the day after Thanksgiving, it is also a reflective time, and I believe that, as a city, a community and a region, there are multiple blessings for which we can give thanks.

Think about our attractions for a moment. White River State Park is an urban gem. Our once decrepit Central Canal has been wonderfully restored. We have a spectacular Children’s Museum and Indianapolis Museum of Art. The new Central Library is a site to behold. Everywhere we turn, we see monuments that remind us to be thankful for the sacrifices of our armed services veterans.

These amenities aren’t fluff, but give a city its personality and feel. They provide a world of opportunities to explore, to imagine, to be inspired.

As I’ve said many times, Indianapolis is not immune to the problems facing urban – and even rural – communities across America.

But, in balance, I sincerely believe we have it better than most.

For that, let's celebrate and be thankful.