Happy Thanksgiving!

Last year PolisPandit described the historical origins of Thanksgiving and how it became a national holiday.  As stated in the article, in 1789, “President Washington proclaimed a day of thanks for an Almighty God that allowed us to peaceably and rationally assemble into these United States, enjoy civil and religious liberty, and secure safety and happiness enabled by the establishment of constitutions of government.”

It is a good reminder that today is more about a change of seasons or Pilgrims arriving on the Mayflower.  Thanksigiving is a day to celebrate religious liberty, and to give thanks that we live in a country where we can freely exercise our religious beliefs.

Apart from giving thanks to God and country, we should also be thankful for what we have, instead of complaining about what we lack.  There will always be something in this world that we think is missing in our lives.  Many people never seem to reach complete fulfillment because of this void.  It is far too easy to assess life, especially when juxtaposed against others, and immediately recognize what we do not have.  On this Thanksgiving, everyone should aim to give thanks for what we do possess, no matter how small, and regardless of whether it’s tangible or not.  That is not to say we should stop striving for more, or continue working to accomplish personal or collective goals.  Instead, we should use this day as one of reflection, giving thanks for the people in our lives, the opportunities we enjoy, and all of the beauty around us.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Cheers and enjoy.