Transforming common days into days of Thanksgiving

One of my favorite quotes about Thanksgiving comes from a celebrated Christian writer, William Arthur Ward, who once said, “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving...and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” 

Thanksgiving Day gives us a yearly reminder to count our God-given blessings.  It’s a time to focus on what we have, rather than on what we don’t.  President Lincoln exemplified this attitude of gratitude.  He had countless reasons to be downtrodden and ungrateful.  America was torn by civil war.  Brothers were fighting brothers.  And, the future of the great American experiment was in jeopardy.  Yet, Lincoln was the first President to declare Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.  He said in 1863, “The year that is drawing towards 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…the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”  Lincoln spoke these words during one of the most difficult times in our young nation’s history.  Yet, he found reasons to be thankful. 

Today, America faces different, but still difficult challenges.  Too many middle class families are struggling to make ends meet.  The future of our health care structure remains uncertain.  Our immigration system is in desperate need of reform, and our national security continues to be threatened by terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life.   Yet, these challenges are mere obstacles. They present yet another opportunity to prove to the world that America will rise to meet our challenges and emerge even stronger than before.  

The desire for freedom of religion and speech, the respect for the rule of law, and the belief that government should not intrude on the everyday lives of its citizens are the very ideas that brought the Pilgrims to this land.  These principles are the key to bringing prosperity back to our great country.

Because of the profound foresight of our Founding Fathers, we have a system of government that protects these ideals.  And, for that I am truly thankful.  I am also thankful this Thanksgiving season for the opportunity to serve the people of Indiana’s 6th Congressional District.  You have placed a lot of trust in me, and I work every day to represent our shared Hoosier values here in Congress.  I’m grateful for my family.   My wife and children bring joy to my life every day.  And, finally, I’m thankful for our nation’s challenges, because they provide us with an opportunity to grow and improve this great country and work every day to enhance the lives of its citizens.  So, let’s enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, and then get back to work to ensure this nation of ours remains great for this generation and the next.