The celebration we now term as "Thanksgiving" is a bit unique in the world.
As instituted by George Washington (November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God"), it was a day for prayerfully acknowledging God, and thanking Him that we had just won our freedom.
It was not re-instituted as a national holiday until 1863, by Abe Lincoln, when it became an annual event. (Of course, Congress tampered with it in 1941, making it the fourth Thursday in November, giving an extra week of Christmas shopping on years when the last Thursday is just too darn close for retailers.)
On this day, I'd like to list what I am thankful for.
First, my life in Christ. Without that, everything else becomes meaningless. I am unworthy, yet I am still accepted into the family of God.
My precious wife, although you are now 11 time zones away from me, we will be reunited in just a couple weeks, and I can feel your love all the way over here.
My family, who supports me in every way, and even understands me sometimes.
My time in India. It has been an awakening experience, showing me not only what another culture is like, but also giving me greater insight into my own, US-centric worldview.
My job. Too many people I know dislike their job, or are trying to find one. I have a job I normally enjoy, and seems to be stable - or will be, when I return to the US.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Take some time to give thanks, "with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God"
As instituted by George Washington (November 26, 1789, "as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God"), it was a day for prayerfully acknowledging God, and thanking Him that we had just won our freedom.
It was not re-instituted as a national holiday until 1863, by Abe Lincoln, when it became an annual event. (Of course, Congress tampered with it in 1941, making it the fourth Thursday in November, giving an extra week of Christmas shopping on years when the last Thursday is just too darn close for retailers.)
On this day, I'd like to list what I am thankful for.
First, my life in Christ. Without that, everything else becomes meaningless. I am unworthy, yet I am still accepted into the family of God.
My precious wife, although you are now 11 time zones away from me, we will be reunited in just a couple weeks, and I can feel your love all the way over here.
My family, who supports me in every way, and even understands me sometimes.
My time in India. It has been an awakening experience, showing me not only what another culture is like, but also giving me greater insight into my own, US-centric worldview.
My job. Too many people I know dislike their job, or are trying to find one. I have a job I normally enjoy, and seems to be stable - or will be, when I return to the US.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Take some time to give thanks, "with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God"
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