Poor, poor Thanksgiving.  With both Halloween and Christmas marching in early, it doesn’t have a chance … or does it?

Thanksgiving Proclamation

{New York, 3 October 1789}

By the President of the United States of America {George Washington}

An Excerpt

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.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies[...] for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed [...].

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed [...]

Seems our Thanksgiving holiday has a rather solid foundation–and a solid foundation can withstand much. 

That alone is reason for gratitude. 

Now, it’s up to us to build wisely upon that foundation. We can tear down and start over if we must–so long as we get it right.  After all, if we haven’t a heart of thankfulness, I dare say, we have nothing at all …