"Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world: It is not he who prays most or fasts most, it is not he who gives most alms or is most eminent for temperance, chastity or justice; but it is he who is always thankful to God, who wills everything that God wills, who receives everything as an instance of God's goodness and has a heart always ready to praise God for it."
William Law
Tomorrow is the fourth Thursday of November, so it's time again to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Though it has been celebrated since our nation's founding, celebrating on the fourth Thursday was set in stone by FDR in 1941 in order for merchants to get a jump start on the Christmas season.
Some historians would point to 1565 as the first Thanksgiving celebration in this country celebrated by the Spaniards in St Augustine, Fla.
Some purists would say that the first Thanksgiving celebration occurred in 1619 in Virginia, but most of us celebrate the holiday tradition beginning at Plymouth Plantation, Mass., in 1621.
Thanksgiving is a holiday for all ages; it is the day that most kids start dreaming of bright shinny toys and sugar plums.
It is a day where many of us take that trek over hill and dale to visit and spend the day with family.
It is the day that we enjoy that something special around the dinner table - a feast that is cooked all day and includes everyone's favorite treats. By the time the meal has been served, our bellies are delightfully full.
All of these things are the special things we have done - and still do - to celebrate this bountiful family holiday.
There are some things that we may have forgotten about the true tradition of Thanksgiving. We might have forgotten that it was a day set aside by our earliest ancestors to celebrate survival and the bounties of the land that helped them survive.
It was a day set aside to thank strangers and neighbors alike for their help in that survival.
It was a day set aside to thank God Almighty for his many blessings.
Today and every day we need to be mindful of the true spirit of Thanksgiving. It for sure it is not the best of times for some of our neighbors; we suggest that invite someone to enjoy your bountiful meal and to share with your neighbors the joy you might feel as your family gathers.
Here in Newton County we have much to be thankful for. We have a beautiful county, moderate temperatures and neighbors who are willing help neighbors.
We are thankful to you, our readers and advertisers. Because of your support The Covington News is celebrating its 146th year.
From all of us here at the Covington News and our families, have a thankful day, and above all, thank the good Lord for his bountiful harvest and blessings.
