Thankful for Thanksgiving
The first “Thanksgiving Day” in the United States was celebrated November 26, 1789. President George Washington proclaimed that this was a holiday. For the next 150 years or so, the holiday was dependent on a yearly proclamation by the President. It was observed in March, September, and December, as well as the traditional last Thursday of November. Fun fact: there was no Thanksgiving during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. In 1941, Congress passed legislation establishing the fourth Thursday in November as a day of thanks-giving in the United States.
Whatever the circuitous route that got us here, Thanksgiving is a day to stop and remember our blessings. The blessings that we have as individuals, families, communities, and as a nation. There have been a lot of different “traditions” that have latched onto the holiday over the years (NFL football, the Charlie Brown Christmas special, the beginning of the Christmas shopping season), but Thanksgiving is still a day to feel and to express gratitude for the things that are important in our lives.
My wish for you is that this year, you will take the time to do just that. Think through the things and people for which you are grateful. I urge you, where it is possible, to express that gratitude. Especially express it to the people in your life for which you are thankful.
For many, Thanksgiving is a time for family. There are many family members who wish they had taken the time to express their gratitude while they still had a chance. I know that not all families are close, but if it is within your power, I encourage you to take the time to let the people closest to you know that you care.
So enjoy the Thanksgiving turkey with all the “fixings.” Enjoy one of the now traditional football games on TV (and if you are a Lions fan, maybe this is the year?!?). But in the middle of the hustle and bustle, take time to reflect on the most important things in your life, the things for which you are truly grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
By Robby Richardson
