Thanksgiving

 November is Thanksgiving time in the United States. We know that every day is a time for giving thanks, but by God’s grace, some of our early leaders had the foresight to set aside a time especially for thanking God. On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation. It called on all Americans to “acknowledge the providence of Almighty God.” To dedicate a specific day in November “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.” (See Submitters Perspective, November 2012 for complete Proclamation). 

74 years later, on October 3, 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln solidified that Proclamation by making Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday. In Lincoln’s proclamation, he mentioned all the positive things Americans had experienced even while fighting a war. And he proclaimed: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger

for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Each one of us has so much to be thankful for. We know: [16:18] If you count GOD’s blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

We could never list all of the gifts and joys that God has put in our lives. All of us can be grateful for God’s guidance, mercy and forgiveness.

Additionally, here are some things that fellow Submitters have recognized as special blessings (thank you all for sharing). As we read them, let’s think of the

good things in our life and offer thanks to Almighty God for them all.

I’m so very thankful for God’s guidance, it’s a great gift for my soul, and something I never expected in my life. Also the daily Contact Prayers, such a beautiful way to remember God and to show our submission in prostration. And I’m so thankful for all the dogs God brought into my home. They were all wonderful gifts and taught me so much and gave me such joy.

I’m so thankful for the security that God has provided for me (no war or disasters, etc.) and that God gave me another chance after the Great Feud to redeem my soul. I’m thankful for the awesome beauty of God’s creation, which helps me to keep Him as my focus. And I’m also very thankful for the wonderful technology that lets me stay in touch with the Submitters—my real family.

I am grateful for Quran. Reading it soothes my soul. And I am grateful for the HUGE Blessing of being able to work from home indefinitely! 

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