Inspiration from Lincoln’s Thanksgiving proclamation

On this Thanksgiving, when the world appears crammed with insufferable strife and stress, it’s worthwhile to evaluation the Proclamation of Thanksgiving penned by President Abraham Lincoln, sealed on Oct. 3, 1863.

What was on Lincoln’s thoughts when he set aside the final Thursday in November as a day of “Thanksgiving and Reward to our beneficent Father who dwelleth within the Heavens”? Chances are high, the president was mulling the earlier month’s Battle of Chickamauga in Georgia, a Accomplice victory and second bloodiest engagement of the Civil Conflict. Optimism would appear a idiot’s errand in that darkish time.

But in his proclamation, Lincoln’s pen didn’t lament the battle and its aftermath. As an alternative, he delighted in “the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.” Within the midst of “a civil battle of unequaled magnitude,” Lincoln famous the nation was not combating off overseas adversaries; its factories, farms and mines had been booming; its inhabitants was rising.

So, too, do Puget Sounders have a lot for which to be grateful. It’s not the low unemployment charge or vibrant financial system or (comparatively) useful governments — though these are to not be dismissed. Relatively, it’s the hope that if we give attention to all that’s proper amongst us, we could also be granted the grace to repair all that’s unsuitable.

It begins with a recognition of the small issues that carry us contentment. It may be something — a very good music on the radio, a golden leaf on the sidewalk, the snowy peaks of the Olympic Mountains. And people on a regular basis individuals who brighten our time — the canine walker with ever-changing hair who provides treats to all of the canines on her route, the postal service who bears the payments and unsolicited mail with completely satisfied aplomb, the uncommon particular person who catches the attention of passersby and nods hiya.

These are the constructive experiences that give us power to persevere.

There will probably be many a meal today the place sure subjects will probably be off-limits to keep away from damaged emotions and presumably damaged plates. Simply as Lincoln acknowledged the “lamentable civil strife by which we’re unavoidably engaged,” we can not paper over the variations that can determine what sort of future we’ll share.

However for a day, not less than, allow us to try for what Lincoln hoped could be the nation’s future: “full enjoyment of peace, concord, tranquillity and Union.”

Whether or not you attend a household feast, microwave a turkey dinner alone, or skip the entire thing in favor of watching the Seahawks on TV, could we give thanks and hope for brighter days to come back.