In 1621, the pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving and thanked God for bringing them through a hard winter. In 1789 President Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation “for affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” And in the midst of the civil war, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” We have a long political tradition of giving thanks to God. So when you’re gathered around the dinner table with family today and perhaps feeling uncomfortable over political conversations, why not consider how God has played a role in the preservation of our nation. In fact, bring God into the political discussion with a spirit of humility. The conversation may go better than you think. May each of you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving!