OPINION

Editorial | Take the time to reflect on Thanksgiving

Editorial board

In 1789, our nation was barely in its teens, and George Washington was the new President of the United States. The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation as the law of the land in March.

It was a time of great promise — and some fear — as the new United States of America grew.

But Washington understood the importance of slowing things down and being grateful for what you have. So it was in October 1789 when he made a proclamation of Thanksgiving Day.

He wanted our still-fledgling nation to pause and assess how far it had come and what it truly meant to be free of tyranny and to think about how the future would unfold.

He issued a proclamation of Thanksgiving — "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God."

Two-hundred and twenty-six years later, we still celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

Families still gather around their living rooms, kitchen tables and front porches to take the time to appreciate what they have. They share fun and food while swapping stories about days gone by and reminiscing about those who have passed away.

Thanksgiving

It's a day before Black Friday and just a few days before the kickoff of the Ohio State/Michigan game and deer gun season begins. In other words, take the time to relax because the next month is the busiest time of the year.

Perhaps you'll think of someone who was at your dinner table a year ago, but won't be there this year because of death, illness, the call of duty or another reason. Maybe you'll think about the blessings you experienced so far and even how you helped someone reach a big milestone. You might shed a tear regarding a great loss or have a laugh about a silly memory from the past year.

If any, or all, of those things happen today, go with it. Thanksgiving is just the day for contemplation. Maybe we don't have all we want, but we certainly have plenty of what we need.

No matter how you take time out today, you'll be taking part in a time-honored tradition that many have enjoyed for years.

From our family to yours, we wish you the best and most blessed Thanksgiving yet.