The first definition of thanksgiving in Webster's dictionary is: a giving of thanks. How clear and simple can you get? And yet, how deep and profound. As we look forward to stuffing ourselves with turkey and pie, we need to take a second to look at the "true meaning" of this wonderful holiday, and expand our appreciation of its blessing. The verb "to give", also according to Webster, is to hand or pass over something as a gift; while "thanks", is the grateful acknowledgment of something received by or done for one. And so we see in the very definition of the word, Thanksgiving, a two-way flow is expressed--you would only say "thank you" to someone if they have given something to you, or done something to bless you.
This wonderful nation of ours, and all of its citizens, have much to be thankful for. No matter the economy, the employment statistics, snow storms, tornados, drought and floods, we enjoy a standard of living and a sense of security and freedom that no people in history have ever known. I propose that the same covenant God, whom our Pilgrim Fathers thanked at the first Thanksgiving, is deserving of our recognition and thanks today. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, F D Roosevelt proclaimed special feast days of thanksgiving for one purpose: to remind the people HOW MUCH He has handed over or passed to us as a gift, and how fitting it is for us to gratefully acknowledge His kindness. Let's not have this Thanksgiving day pass without giving Him thanks.
Submitted by Sonia Silkman
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