A Season of Thanks, Day 2

In his Thanksgiving Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln went on to describe the state of the nation. Despite the country being at war, he acknowledged that farmers were still able to farm, ships continued to sail, iron and coal were still being found in the mines, the population was increasing, and more and more people were free.

He said, "They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy."

Mercy.

It's a weighted word, not because of the burden it carries, but because of the load it releases. It holds the reality of my life...that not only do I not deserve the blessings, but that they have been handed to me instead of the punishment I've earned.

It's one of the paradoxes that defines God. He is the Just One who should hand out the sentence but he stands trial in my stead.

The chains are loosed. The charges are dropped. And each morning his mercies are new.

Thank God.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. (from the Song of Mary)

Luke 1:50