What Are You Thankful For?
November 21st, 2007, by Michael StelznerThis is really a simple question to ponder during this time of year.
What are you thankful for?
Here’s some historical insight into the meaning of Thanksgiving according to Wikipedia:
The early settlers of Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts were particularly grateful to Squanto, the Native American and former British slave who taught them how to both catch eel and grow corn and also served as their native interpreter. Without Squanto’s assistance, the settlers might not have survived in the New World.
As congress recognized the importance of Thanksgiving observance, President George Washington issued a national Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789. He wrote, “Now therefore 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 of the People of this Country…for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed…and 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…To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us—and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.”
What are you thankful for this year?
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November 21st, 2007 at 8:31 am
My family, and the amazing folks I’ve had the pleasure to know and work with in my 14 years of writing about the Web, and the fantastic authors that have confidence in letting me publicize their great books.
November 21st, 2007 at 10:33 am
Hey Nettie;
And I am thankful for people like you who have helped me achieve amazing success.
And of course, I shall not forget to thank God for his many mercies.
Mike
November 21st, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I am thankful to God for my family and friends. I am also thankful for the freedom that I so often take for granted; the freedom of speech and the freedom to worship where I choose. Every year at Thanksgiving, I pull out my copy of a book called “Thanksgiving: A Time To Remember” by Barbara Rainey and read the story of the Pilgrims and the sacrifices they made so they could have religious freedom. The book contains the story of Squanto also. I would highly recommend it.
November 21st, 2007 at 2:11 pm
My family, for their unconditional love and for keeping me grounded.
My pets, for keeping my heart open and reminding me to be gentle with all of God’s creations.
My volunteer work, for not giving self-centeredness a chance to take root and for reminding me daily that we are each capable of improving our world.
My friends, for keeping inspiration, creativity and humor in my daily life.
Whoever created and runs this universe. Some religions call him God. Some call him Allah. Some call him Buddha. Some call her Mother Earth. It’s all the same force, who has been good to us even though too many down here have not treated his creations (planet, people, flora, fauna) with the respect and care they deserve. May we do a better job from this point forward.