Spiritual Perspectives
Gratitude

By Dr. Roy Howard
Special to the Independent

During the ravages of the Civil War, the president took time to reflect on the blessings of a free nation, of food and work, health, emancipation, and immigration: “I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do, hereby, appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day, which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens wherever they may then be as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to Almighty God the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe.

And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the Great Disposer of events for a return of the inestimable blessings of Peace, Union and Harmony throughout the land, which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations.” Congress approved an annual Thanksgiving celebration in 1941, on the eve of America entering World War II!
This practice is consistent with the scriptures: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Col. 3:15, 17).

Gratitude is an attribute of Christian living that takes effort and practice, yet yields a high return. As we learn to be grateful for God’s gifts, we also become grateful in our nature, and are able to appreciate and thank those around us. One reason this is difficult, is that life is so hard; people are so annoying. Even those that love us can offend us and harm us and neglect our needs. Let us develop a daily habit of thankfulness so that we can be uplifted in times of disappointment, comforted in times of pain, given hope in times of despair. When we have work and food, let us be grateful and share, so that in times of unemployment and hunger we may be grateful for the family and friends who sustain us.

“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, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”(Abraham Lincoln, Oct. 3 1863).

The times of suffering that brought this celebration of gratitude was the 1860s when, in addition to the Civil War, France invaded México and Kit Carson forced the Navajo into captivity at Fort Sumner. We have overcome these sufferings. The Navajo Treaty of 1868 resulting from the Fort Sumner experience brought an unprecedented sovereignty that is celebrated today in every tribal election. The rise of the Mexican people in defense of their sovereignty is celebrated by all of us every Cinco de Mayo.

As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us be filled with gratitude, in spite of our problems. “Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen” (Alma 26:37).

Roy Howard is the president of the Lupton Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He can be contacted at (505) 722-3389.

This column is written by area residents, representing different faith communities, who share their ideas about bringing a spiritual perspective into our daily lives and community issues. For information about contributing a guest column, contact Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola at The Independent: (505) 863-6811 ext. 218 or lizreligion01@yahoo.com.