For 221 years, ever since George Washington formally proclaimed the fourth Thursday in November to be a national Day of Thanksgiving, our country has paused to give thanks to God for the many blessings He has given us.
There are many people today who get nervous about separation of church and state, but if you take a little time to read what Washington wrote, it would seem clear that our first president was not afraid to give thanks to God for all that we have been given, and to do so in a very public and official way.
During these hard economic times, we’re once again given a wonderful opportunity to re-focus on what’s most important in life. This little thanksgiving prayer written by Ralph Waldo Emerson sums it up well.
Thanksgiving
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and eat well!
