“When eating fruit, always remember the one who planted the tree.” ~ Vietnamese Proverb

Today, I became a little melancholy as I joined in singing some of the most well-known songs of the season. They are hymns of thanksgiving. Scores of children may never know the beautiful lyrics of Come, Ye Thankful People Come, For the Beauty of the Earth, We Gather Together and Now we Thank Our God. In today’s culture, saying thanks to our Creator is no longer permitted in schools and even extolling the basic principles of our Founding Fathers is sometimes controversial. Fewer families attend churches where these traditional songs are sung.

To my way of thinking, the best thing to have in abundance is gratefulness and appreciation for all we do have in this country. It is good for the well-being of our society and our future generations.

On Monday after Thanksgiving,  I will share with you more thoughts that came to me today along this thread of integrating old traditions with new ideas.

Photo Above: The illustration is from the History Hustle. Pictured is John Chapman, the real “Johnny Appleseed.”