The Gratitude Attitude

It's been 49 years this week. All of us who were alive then can remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news. The President of our nation, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, was dead. In an act spurred by political differences, he was killed by a sniper's bullet. The planned workings of our country were immediately called into action. Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson was sworn in as President of the United States. 

Six days later, President Johnson spoke to the assembled Congress as the new President. The following day would be Thanksgiving, and that evening Johnson spoke to the citizens of America. He spoke as a man still saddened by the death of his friend and comrade. His courage was seen as well, as he told us he needed our help.  These are his words:

"Tonight, on this Thanksgiving, I come before you to ask your help, to ask your strength, to ask your prayers that God may guard this Republic and guide my every labor."

While space does not permit me to share his entire speech, I want to point you to several characteristics of his message. In addition to honoring the fallen President , recently buried just across the Potomac River, Johnson encouraged Americans to move toward an attitude of thanksgiving. He cited the good things that had made our country strong, the influence of spirituality which kept our direction pure, and the quality of our people who were dedicated to be strong and faithful. Johnson then asked, "What better conveys what is best for America than this?

Of everything Johnson said that Thanksgiving evening, the part that stirs my heart more than the others was when he encouraged us to focus on the good things and continually express our gratitude.  He suggested our direction should be one of peace and harmony, especially among ourselves, instead of "pouring out the venom and the hate that stalemate us in progress.”

 

I hope all Christians are getting the power of his message. In a time when it was easy to look outward and place blame, our leader was encouraging us to look inward, to see the "stuff" we are made of, and be grateful for those ideals which have made us great.

Numerous verses in the Bible deal with thanksgiving. It is associated with the event of praise to our God. I want you to see this praise and thanksgiving is much more than named events we go to this time of year, it is an attitude by which we live. Especially when we are confronted with tough days and uncomfortable times, we will find our strength and success in such praise and gratitude. 

Devote yourself to prayer and thanksgiving for all God has done and continues to do for you and your family. Encourage your families as you gather together to make a priority of these godly traits. They are the answer to the dilemma of our nation, and the direction on the map leading us on our eternal journey. 

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