Shade Tree Wisdom 11/26/14

          The year was 1863, and the country was embroiled in the civil war.  President Lincoln struggled with a thanksgiving proclamation, but he was also concerned with the soul of the country.  In March he said, among other things:

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties

Of heaven; we have been preserved, these many

Years, in peace and prosperity; we have

Grown in numbers, wealth, and power

As no other nation. BUT

We have forgotten God”.

          The local paper this mornings paper carried an article titled: “Be More Than Thankful, show some gratitude”

          A dictionary definition tell us being thankful means that something you hoped would happen, did.  Being grateful means you appreciate something done for you or for something you have.

          I believe that is what St. Paul means when he wrote, “I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.”  There it lies, and we have read it many times, even quoted the words but often forgotten to live them.  Being grateful makes us happier. Some doctor of psychology said ungrateful people cannot be happy.

          So tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  Lets sing:

“Refresh thy people on their toilsome way,

Lead us from night to never-ending day,

Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,

And glory. Laud, and praise be ever Thine,

Amen.  Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

GPD 11/26/14