A National Day of Gratitude Should Engender Acceptance of Our Differences

 

President Abraham Lincoln said established the fourth Thursday in November as a national day of giving thanks and gratitude in 1863 in the midst of the American Civil War. The national holiday was proclaimed following the lobbying efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a woman’s activist, editor in chief of Godey’s, the most important publication for women at the time, and the author of Mary Had A Little Lamb.

It is incredible that Ms. Hale exercised such influence on President Lincoln at such a divisive time in our country. But it speaks loudly of the importance of exercising an attitude of gratitude during particularly challenging times.

Whilst reading the numerous publications that I peruse everyday, I’ve noted the increasingly virulent comments by subscribers that exhibit zero tolerance for the views of anyone that professes a different opinion. It is anathema to me that our society cannot find even a scintilla of common ground.

I’ve heard so many anecdotes from friends and relatives regarding loved ones that have ‘cancelled’ relationships because of political disagreements. 

At one time, there was a proscription for discussing religion and politics at family gatherings, at work, at friendly get togethers, or at charitable events. Perhaps we should return to such self moderation.

Instead, we should focus on our commonality. Life is short. Do you really want to wake up one day and discover that you have wasted years you cannot claw back because of pride, recalcitrance, intransigence, intolerance, uncompromising ideology, or self importance only to discover a friend or family member is dead and you are unable to make amends or reconcile? I do not. 

National politics, in the USA in the 21st Century, is a game played by ideologues who are unwilling to put the American people first, care only about retaining power, are beholden to lobbyists who contribute to their campaigns, forget they have a duty to represent everyone in their constituency- not just those who voted for them, and have abrogated their responsibilities to compromise and enact legislation that serves the entire electorate. 

As we approach our national day of Thanksgiving, consider putting your differences aside, adopt an attitude of gratitude and exhibit a bit of grace for your fellow Americans. 

As I learned during my years in Al Anon, we have no control over other people, places and things- just how we respond to a situation. Respond with kindness and acceptance.