GIVING THANKS

 

Three days ago the nation paused to give thanks. This has been a national tradition since 1789 when then-President George Washington proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be held. Some of Washington’s remarks follow.

 

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection…also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually… and to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue.”

 

Though our nation has forsaken the Christian spirit exemplified in Washington’s sentiments, each of us, individually, should give thanks to God every day and live in such a way that we will continue to be blessed and eventually receive the greatest blessing of all: an eternal home with Him in heaven.

 

Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1