THANKSGIVING 2009

Dear Friends,

It's been a difficult year for many people. Imagine someone you know who, over the past year, has lost their job, has been forced to move thor family into substandard housing, and finally suffered the loss of several family members and friends dear to them. It would be easy for us to understand how such an accumulation of devastating losses could lead to deep discouragement or despair. Now, imagine a person, after such a heartbreaking year, calling a meeting of all their friends and neighbors to -- of all things -- give thanks to Almighty God for all His blessings and provisions.

That's essentially what happened at the first Thanksgiving in the Plymouth colony. During the previous 12 months, a brave band of settlers experienced their means of livelihood dwindle away, their homes fail to protect them from the harsh winter, and half of their numbers die from illness. Yet, in the midst of such dire social, economic, and personal upheaval, the Pilgrims chose to do something that forever changed the character of America -- the decided to give thanks.

Perhaps we can all learn something from the example of the Pilgrims. Rather than focusing on the hardships they had just suffered, they chose instead to recognize the blessings of God in their circumstances. They gave thanks for what they still had rather than complain about what they had lost. The Pilgrims chose to believe God had a bright future in store for them despite the trying times they were going through. Those first settlers understood that giving thanks is the first step toward living above our circumstances rather than being crushed by them. We are reminded of the words of the Psalmist, "I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice." (Psalm 34:1-2)

The precedent of giving thanks in the midst of adversity has become a hallmark of the American experience as President Reagan recognized. Is it possible that the year 2009, for all its trials and tribulations, offers us one of the best opportunities in recent memory to continue the magnificent and courageous acts of our forefathers..."to render thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His blessings?"

For that reason, let is boldly answer the call of President Reagan: "I now invite all Americans to take part again in this beautiful tradition with its roots deep in our history and deeper still in our hearts...Let us thank God for our families, friends, and neighbors, and for the joy of this very festival we celebrate in His name. Let every house of worship in the land and every home and every heart be filled with the spirit of gratitude and praise and love this Thanksgiving Day."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
2009
LAW OFFICES OF MARK S. KNUTSON, S.C