Army Reserve Team, Greetings, Thanksgiving is a great American Holiday that began initially when the Pilgrims celebrated a plentiful harvest with their Native American friends, after nearly dying in the previous year. Many gave thanks to God for life, provision, protection and abundance. The Pilgrims most likely read scriptures about giving Thanks such as Psalms 100 and 1st Thessalonians chapter 5:16-18. President George Washington affirmed Thanksgiving with his proclamation back in 1789. He wrote: “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…” wallbuilders/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=3584 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. He wrote: “The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God…” wallbuilders/libissuesarticles.asp?id=4082 President Lincoln was right that people are prone to forget where their blessings come from. Indeed, it is easier to remember negative things. But if we take time to count up all of our blessings, we can truly be thankful to God. Being thankful is a choice and we have much to be grateful for individually and corporately as a nation. There are many benefits to being thankful. Thankfulness usually helps people be happier, more joyful, grateful, optimistic and hopeful for the future; while it combats negativity, stress and depression. Having a thankful attitude increases resilience and the ability to bounce back from the tough times. Most importantly, God is more likely to bless individuals, Families, and a nation who are truly grateful and gives Him thanks for the good things in their life. Time and again SGM Henderson and I have heard our Army and Army Reserve leaders say how thankful they are for Soldiers, DA Civilians/Staff and Families (like you) who faithfully serve our nation! Thank you for your faithful service and know that we are so grateful for you. On behalf of the USARC Command Chaplain Team ~ Happy Thanksgiving! Vr, Alan F. Pomaville Chaplain (COL) Command Chaplain
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:36:50 +0000
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