Much To Be Thankful For

We have much to be thankful for.

I could make that statement at any point in my life and under any circumstances, because it is simply true.

Following the horror and loss of the American "War Between the States (Civil War)" in the last part of the 19th century, President Abraham Lincoln Proclaimed the need for a national day of repentance and thanksgiving to God.

Here is part of that proclamation:

"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing
with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American
people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United
States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign
lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Franklin D. Roosevelt changed the day to the next to last Thursday of November to allow merchants a little more time to sell goods and services before Christmas during the Great Depression and here we are.

The Leckie family is spending this day in Maryville, Tennessee, visiting family. There will be 19 friends and famiy members gathered around the table in "Norman Rockwell" fashion to enjoy far more food and blessings than we deserve.

As we do, I will also be remembering some other famous words written to Christ followers in all times and circumstances:

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. " - Colossians 3:15 (NASB)

I pray the same for you. May God bless you with a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day!