An Offering of Thanks

October 3, 1863

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

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. [...]


THAT is the precedent Abe Lincoln intended to set for Thanksgiving 146 years ago, and that is what the Holiday ought to still be about! As elements of self-indulgence and materialism continue to encroach upon this original and upright intent for Thanksgiving Day, may we solidly stand and offer this day as an offering of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Great Creator and Provider.

The Lord has indeed been merciful to me in that He does not deal me the full consequences my sins deserve; He has indeed been gracious in that He deals me many good things that I by no means deserve; He has indeed been generous in that He has blessed me abundantly with far more than I need. Indeed, I have much to be thankful for!

Lord, I praise you and thank you:

• that "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves". (Colossians 1:13)

• for putting Mom, Dad, Butterfly, Aweba, Fredman, Bug, and all my extended family and friends in my life.

• for a bountiful and exciting place to live! Even when I was living in a shed it was plenty, but You have blessed me with abundantly more!

• that You know all things and lovingly direct our path in life toward the route that is ultimately the best... even when that means we don't get our way which we desire so strongly.

God, you are good! I praise you and thank you for the many blessings You have poured on us! This Day is Yours.