Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving morning. Here I sit sipping my coffee, and realizing I've planned no special beer for the feast later today. Hmm, I guess I'll check to see what the refrigerator holds. But first I'll enjoy my coffee a little longer. Whatever beer is down there, will still be there when I look later.

Today is the day Americans set aside to give thanks for all of our graces and gifts. Sadly, it's turned more and more into simply a day of gearing up for the Christmas shopping season. I find it somewhat ironic that folks take such joy in day known by the dark name "Black Friday." 

For myself, I'm thankful for a wonderful and loving family, for the freedom to worship as I choose, for true friends, and for a roof over my head, food on the table, for this great country, and much, much more. These are things I am thankful for every day, not just on the fourth Thursday of November. To be truly thankful is to be aware of our many blessings everyday. But today, I'll try to think about these things just a little more. Let's also keep in mind those selfless Americans who are separated from their loved ones while working to defend our freedoms.

I wish everyone a safe, fun-filled day, however you choose to mark the occasion.

Okay, coffee is finished, let's go see what the beer fridge holds...

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'"

-- George Washington, National Day of Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789