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KIDS OF CHARACTER 11/24
Thanksgiving In America 2008 Part II Thanksgiving 2008 “Almighty God, Who has give us this good land for our heritage; we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy Favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. “Save us from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. “Endow with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that thru obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. “In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and, in the days of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask thru Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.” America pauses this week in gratitude’s remembrance. Jefferson’s words, authored two hundred plus years ago, offer timeless wisdom to a nation continuing to define itself by “…the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.” Character was on this national leader’s mind as revealed in the second sentence of his opening paragraph when invoking God’s blessings for industry, sound learning and pure manners. Interpreting those words into a 21st century lexicon of meaning, Jefferson asked that the One Presence teach each of us to pursue self-initiative, personal wisdom, and ethical actions. Jefferson’s prayer captures the heart of a nation and a people striving to express God’s will at home and work; in our communities, and in the hallways of national governance. Jefferson reminds us, with unfamiliar phrasing, that in our striving… “we suffer not our trust in Thee to fail.” Said simply, remember to seek God’s help for us on our journey as a nation of individuals and families. I express 2008 Thanksgiving Gratitude for this one nation, under God.
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