Lifestyle
Thanksgiving is here, a time traditionally reserved to give thanks and create precious memories with our families and neighbors; a time to express gratitude for the blessings of our loved ones and for our country’s bounty. Yet, somewhere mixed in between the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, families have increasingly become polarized in their viewpoints, even around the idea of giving thanks, or the history of the holiday itself.
Family strife and national disharmony are not a new experience. Perhaps by revisiting the wisdom of our early presidents, both at the birth of a new nation, and when brothers were fighting brothers, we can rediscover the reasons behind establishing a Thanksgiving holiday in the first place.
Unified and resilient families are vital to a peaceful nation, and it begins at the family table. Yet, as we gather together, families often disagree on important issues. While this is very human, it can be awkward or uncomfortable, and it can even damage relationships. Some families navigate these challenges by banning subjects like politics and religion altogether. One may wonder, is it worth the effort to try to get along with each other?
Has there been a time in our past when we were so divided? Well yes, consider the Civil War. Ironically, it was through experiencing the devastation of war that both Presidents Washington and Lincoln were inspired to institute a celebration of Thanksgiving.
On October 3, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a national day of thanks. At the time, Americans had fought and died in the American Revolution, achieved independence, and established the Constitution of the United States of America. With a new nation beginning, there was a great deal to be grateful for.
Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation opens with:
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor…”
President Washington initiated a National Thanksgiving; however, it took nearly another century to become the annual holiday it is today.
Later, in 1863, America was embroiled in the Civil War under President Abraham Lincoln. You cannot be much more polarized than brother literally fighting against brother. Leading up to 1863, the North and South were even having separate Thanksgiving celebrations, and asking God to bless their respective causes. It was in the midst of this chaos and division that President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving holiday. Here is a quote from his proclamation.
“It has seemed to me fit and proper that [God’s gracious gifts] 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… 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.”
At the time of Lincoln’s October 3, 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation, the Union Army had just won the battle at Gettysburg in July. As you can imagine, the Confederate Army was not so excited about this proclamation - the war wasn’t over until 1865. However, as time went on, the whole country started celebrating Thanksgiving together, a tradition that was carried on year after year. Our wounds healed, our hatred and divisions dissipated, and we knew an era of peace. It was a miracle.
It may seem strange or controversial to some people today to talk about giving thanks to God, and that is because as a nation we have largely removed God from the public square. Whether a person prays or believes in God or not, gratitude for the good things in our lives lifts the human spirit.
Can healing happen again in our nation? Can genuine fellowship and gratefulness repair our divided families? As you can see, peace didn’t happen immediately in our country, but Americans living throughout many generations have recognized the value of gratitude, and they worked for unity.
While you may not feel the need to reconcile with family members right now, you may find it important in the future. When you experience hardships, intact families are invaluable for strength to bear these burdens. Friends can support you to a great degree, but it will be your family members who go to health appointments with your elderly parents, settle estates, and work out burial details with you.
Your children may also experience great benefit and joy from keeping the family together. People tend to find that familial bonds are vital as we go through life.
It's remarkable that the early proclamations by Washington and Lincoln are not so much about how to celebrate Thanksgiving, but instead are focused on why it is important to celebrate. They believed that we need to be grateful for our blessings and to be united in that gratitude.
Sharing a meal together has the potential to create positive memories and strengthen family bonds.
Let us give thanks, focus on what we have in common, and remember what brings us together on this day.
May you experience a joyous Thanksgiving this year.
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