In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln still saw fit to issue a Thanksgiving proclamation to the nation.  This is some of what he said, after listing the many blessings the nation had enjoyed despite the awful conflict:

“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. … And I recommend to them that … they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.”

Give thanks for our blessings; seek forgiveness for our transgressions; request healing for the suffering; and plead for peace and unity in our nation.  Not a bad prescription for a good Thanksgiving.

Now, for the Friday Funnies:

Three friends stranded on a deserted island find a magic lamp. Inside it is a genie who agrees to grant each friend one wish.

“I simply wish to go home,” says the first friend. And the genie grants her wish.

“I wish to go home, as well,” says the second friend. And the genie sends her home.

“I’m lonely,” says the third friend. “I sure wish my friends were back here.”

Have a wonderful day, week, and Thanksgiving.