Millions of people will gather together to share laughter, reminisce, and make new memories all in celebration of Thanksgiving Day. The famous Macy’s Day parade will broadcast in the early morning hours followed by three football games. Naturally, we must not overlook pleasing our palates. Tantalizing treats and the aroma of the turkey roasting all morning is what so many of us anticipate all day. Yet we should not forget, it is a day to reflect on what we are thankful for and why we give thanks.
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
Commonly referred to as the “First Thanksgiving,” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after the first harvest in the New World in 1621. The feast lasted three days. Pilgrims and Indians gathered to rejoice and thank God. Their prayers were addressing a desire for a military victory and the end of the drought.
Thanksgiving brings families together. It is a wonderful time of merriment and gratitude. It is important to keep in mind the history of our country. Also, being thankful for abundant crops that produce food to nourish our bodies.
Studies show living in thankfulness does make people happier. Often it is expedient to focus on what is wrong rather than what is right in our lives. Author, Leo Babauta humbles himself daily by taking a simple two-minutes to be thankful. Babauta also hosts workshops about gratitude. Delving into the simple act of thinking of what we should be thankful for daily. Babauta encourages his students to examine the coin on the other side. If you do not care for your job, be thankful you have a job. Be grateful you have challenges and that your life is not vapid. Give thanks that your children are alive and healthy. When you are struggling to pay the bills, be thankful you have a roof over your head.
You may be living most days filled with negativity. Here are a few tips about living in grace: Take 2-3 minutes each morning to give thanks to whoever and whatever you are grateful for in your life. Say, “thank you” when someone does something nice for you. Call a friend or relative and say, “thank you.” Give thanks for the challenges your life. You may, as a result, turn that negative into a positive. No matter your religious beliefs, learn a prayer or recite a prayer of thankfulness daily.
Enjoy the following poem by an “UNKNOWN” author. May your holiday be rich and blessed with overwhelming GRATITUDE!
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
if you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes,
they will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown ~
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