The Spirit of Gratitude Behind Thanksgiving (ep. 966)

As the aroma of roasted turkey and the chatter of holiday celebrations fill the air, we’re stepping back in time to uncover the true roots of Thanksgiving.

In this episode we’ll travel to September 24, 1789, when the very first U.S. House of Representatives recommended a national day of thanks. The next day, New Jersey Congressman Elias Boudinot urged President George Washington to proclaim a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. On October 3, 1789, Washington answered with a historic proclamation—designating Thursday, November 26, as a day for the nation to pause, thank Almighty God for “signal favors,” and reflect on the new government’s promise of safety, liberty, and prosperity.

We’ll break down Washington’s eloquent, if occasionally stumbling, wording, explore why gratitude was woven into the very fabric of the early Republic, and discuss how that original spirit can still shape our lives today. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table or simply looking for a reminder to cultivate thankfulness, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the holiday that’s far more than turkey and parades—it’s about honoring the blessings that made a fledgling nation possible.

So grab a cup of cider, settle in, and let’s give thanks together for the history, the habit, and the hope behind America’s first Thanksgiving.

Resources:

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Timestamps:

00:44 – Historical background: 1789 congressional recommendation and Congressman Elias Boudinot’s proposal for a national day of thanks to Almighty God.

02:10 – George Washington’s first Thanksgiving proclamation: the official declaration of a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.

03:56 – Key excerpts from Washington’s proclamation: gratitude for providence, peace, union, liberty, knowledge, and the new government.

05:38 – Reflection & call to action: reminder of the founders’ intent and encouragement to cultivate a habit of gratitude in daily life.

07:05 – Closing: thank‑you to listeners and wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.

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