Yesterday, my efforts to blog about Thanksgiving were blocked by a computer glitch all day. I recognize these hold-ups often serve a higher purpose to test my patience, and wait for further guidance. There is more to come. Earlier "Happy people are thankful people"--a sign on a church marquis in the countryside had caught my eye. An inspiring message from the angels to count my blessings. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? When feeling a lack of joy, I realize I've stepped out of gratitude, forgetting all the good that is already present. Making a list of everything I have to be grateful for, brings me into a state of grace, opening up to receive and share more blessings.
The computer snag did serve a higher purpose. Early this morning before getting out of bed, I was reminded that President Lincoln established a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1863. A special day, celebrated in November, to give thanks for our nation. Since then, every president has set aside a national day "to render the homage due to the Divine Majesty for the wonderful things he has done in the nation's behalf."
Lincoln provided a model on how we can choose to walk in gratitude before God.
"At all times, for all things, we can give thanks--in the privacy of our hearts and in our public spheres of influence. We should never forget the Giver of every blessing and the Father of all good things. Let's remember to be grateful, especially during the difficult times. We can trust, like Lincoln, that God's higher purposes are being accomplished in our lives and that he will give us the grace and mercy we need."
(Walking with Lincoln, Spiritual Strength from America's Favorite President, T. Freiling)
President Abraham Lincoln issued more proclamations thanking God than any other U.S. president.
With fresh insight, I eagerly got up to write this blog hoping for the best--and, what do you know--the laptop was All-Systems-Go! Glitch-free. I'm so thankful to be able to share a touch of Thanksgiving with you. Have a happy day wherever you are, and remember you're in the company of angels. God loves you.
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Love and peace,
Rae Karen
Lincoln photo: on-line
