An American Patriot’s Thanksgiving
As we take time this week to reflect on those things we should be thankful for, I thought I’d share the things that I am most thankful for as an American. There are three main things that I am thankful for this year, as with all the other years – God, family, and country.
I am thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I didn’t grow up in church, but am so thankful that He found me as an adult. I am so thankful for the joy I’ve found in Him; I couldn’t imagine living my life and faith any other way.
I am thankful for my family, small as it may be. I am thankful that I have family; and most of them live close. My brother and his lovely wife had a new baby this year, so our family is growing! I now have fifteen nieces and nephews! I am thankful for my three wonderful boys – they are the biggest blessing I could ever possibly ask for. They are rambunctious and ornery and energetic – but they are so loving and I wouldn’t trade one moment that I get with them. They are my greatest blessings without a doubt! I am thankful for friends who have stuck closer than family over the years; my friends are family that I got to choose!
I am thankful for my country. I am thankful for our founders who came to this country and founded this glorious nation based on Godly principles. I am thankful for our Constitution – the law of the land – and all the provisions, protections, and liberties that it provides for us Americans. I am so very thankful for all the patriots that have served our country in one way or another since the beginning of this country; I am thankful for their selfless sacrifice of time and honor for people who could never even understand the sacrifice they made. I am thankful to each family member of our military; they have served and sacrificed just as much as those who serve in the military. I am thankful for all of the people in this country who still care about this country and who poured their hearts into these most recent elections. It is promising to know that people still care and still have the drive and passion necessary to get back to its foundations.
George Washington proclaimed in his Thanksgiving Proclamtaion in 1789: “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 render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – 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.”
May God continue to pour His blessings on our families and on our countries; may we turn our faces back toward Him and return to a state of grace. God bless each one of you as you enjoy this Thanksgiving with your friends and family.
