For Life…for Law…for Loved Ones

We have so much to be thankful for, that almost it overwhelms us, almost before we begin. And among the greatest blessings are life, and law, and loved ones. Without law, there would be no assurance that a man could enjoy anything he has. Without law, principles, standards, there would be nothing to measure by – no way to know what is expected of us – nothing to live up to – little that we could count on. Without law, ownership of property would not be possible. Safety would not be possible. Civilization would not be possible. What a loose and helpless life it would be without law. And, of course, in the ultimate, without law there would be not life.

Along with thankfulness for law, thanks for loved ones, for friends; for food, for water, for air; for the sea, the stars, the seasons; for seeds that grow; the beauty of the earth – for the wonder of it all; for mother, father, family – for the laughter of children, the wondering innocence of their eyes; for the trusting hand of a child.

Thanks for warmth, for sleep, for sunrise; music; mountains, fields, forests. Thanks for work, for education, opportunity; for those who make employment possible.

Thanks for just being alive, — and for the assurance that God lives — that life is everlasting, and that loved ones live even after they have left us – that the renewal of association with loved ones is part of the Eternal purpose and plan.

“God’s goodness hath bee great to thee,” said Shakespeare. “Should not this great goodness,” said William Penn, “raise a due sense in us of…resolution to alter our course and mend our manners.”

Life, law, loved ones – thanks for all of this, and much, much more. “Let never day or night unhallowed pass, But still remember what the lord hath done.”