“Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.” – 1 Chronicles 16:8

We have so much to be thankful for as a nation and as individuals. And it’s important that we remember who those blessings should be credited to. Here’s an excerpt from President Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation which made Thanksgiving a national holiday. It had been celebrated for many years prior to this but only on a state by state basis.

“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God… No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Let’s take time today to thank God as the giver of life and all good things! What are you thankful for?